InHealth North London Diagnostic Centre is operated by InHealth. The service provides X-ray and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) diagnostic facilities for adults and young people over the age of 16 years.

We inspected X-ray and DXA diagnostic facilities.

We inspected this service using our comprehensive inspection methodology. We carried out the unannounced inspection on 14 November 2018.

To get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care and treatment, we ask the same five questions of all services: are they safe, effective, caring, responsive to people's needs, and well-led? Where we have a legal duty to do so we rate services’ performance against each key question as outstanding, good, requires improvement or inadequate.

Throughout the inspection, we took account of what people told us and how the provider understood and complied with the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

The main service provided by this centre was diagnostic imaging.

Services we rate

This was the services first inspection. We rated it as Good overall.

We found good practice in relation to diagnostic imaging:

• There were effective systems to keep people protected from avoidable harm.

• There were sufficient numbers of staff with the necessary skills, experience and qualifications to meet patients’ needs.

• There was a programme of mandatory training which all staff completed, and systems for checking staff competencies.

• Equipment was maintained and serviced appropriately and the environment was visibly clean.

• Records were up to date, complete and kept protected from unauthorised access.

• Incidents were reported, investigated and learning was implemented.

• The service used evidence based processes and best practice, and followed recognised protocols. Imaging was timely, effective and reported in good time.

• Staff were competent and kept up to date with their professional practice.

• Staff demonstrated a kind and caring approach to patients and supported their emotional needs.

• Appointments were available during the evening if required.

• Complaints from patients were taken seriously and acted upon.

• The service had supportive and competent managers. Staff understood and were invested in the vision and values of the organisation. The culture was positive and staff demonstrated pride in their work and the service provided.

• Risks were identified, assessed and mitigated. Performance was monitored and performance information was used to make improvements.

However, we also found the following issues that the service provider needs to improve:

• Not all staff had been trained in and could demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and associated guidance. However, the provider had recently purchased a training package at the time of inspection.

• There was a lack of appropriate changing facilities in the X ray room and patients were left alone to change in the room with access to X ray equipment.

Following this inspection, we told the provider that it should make other improvements, even though a regulation had not been breached, to help the service improve.

Ted Baker

Chief Inspector of Hospitals