This was the first comprehensive inspection of Parkside Hospital at Putney, which was part of the CQC’s ongoing programme of comprehensive, independent healthcare acute hospital inspections. We carried out an announced inspection of Parkside Hospital at Putney on 24 May 2016.

The inspection team inspected the core service of surgical procedures.

All diagnostic imaging is not conducted at this location and is provided by the

provider's other location, Parkside Hospital, Wimbledon.

We have rated Parkside Hospital at Putney as good. We found surgical procedures were good in each of the four key questions relating to safe, caring, responsive and well-led. We inspected but did not rate the key question of effective. This is because, all surgical procedures are carried out at the main Parkside Hospital site, where we did inspect and rate effective.

Are services safe at this hospital

We rated safe as good because:

• Patients were protected from avoidable harm and abuse.

• There was a good incident reporting culture throughout the hospital.

• There were no staff vacancies and staffing levels were planned in response to the clinics that were running in order to keep patients safe at all times.

• Incidents were investigated and learning from incidents was shared throughout the hospital.

• Risks to patients and people using the service were assessed, monitored and managed on a day to day basis.

• The environment was visibly clean and well maintained. It was suitable for the purpose that it was used for.

Are services effective at this hospital

• Patient care and treatment reflected relevant research and guidance including up to date guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

• The outcomes of care and treatment were monitored and actions taken to make improvements.

• New staff completed a thorough induction and supervision period.

• Policies were available online for staff and there was a process that they could confirm they have read and understood these.

• Consent to care and treatment was obtained in line with guidance. A specific consent form was available for patients planning to have gender reassignment surgery.

Are services caring at this hospital

We rated caring as good because:

• Patients received supportive care and treatment in an environment that maintained their privacy and dignity.

• Interactions between staff and patients were positive.

• Feedback from patients was that staff were caring, supportive and respectful.

• Staff took time to visit patients after their surgery to provide emotional support.

Are services responsive at this hospital

We rated responsive as good because:

• The reconfiguration of services meant that the needs of patients requiring pre-assessment or appointments within the gender reassignment clinic were better met.

• The length of pre-assessment appointment times was directed in line with NICE guidelines and also taking into account individual needs of the patient, such as those with dementia or a learning disability.

• Interpreters were planned to be available if a patient attending an appointment did not have English as their first language.

• A detailed pack of patient information regarding gender reassignment surgery was provided to all patients attending this clinic.

Are services well led at this hospital

We rated well led as good because:

• The leadership, governance and culture promoted the delivery of high quality, person-centred care.

• There was a clear vision and strategy and staff understood their role within its delivery.

• There was a clear governance structure in place which enabled heads of department to feed into the Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) and the hospital executive management team

Our key findings were as follows:

• There were clearly defined and visible local leadership roles. Senior staff provided clear leadership and were known and approachable to staff.

• Staff morale and motivation were good and staff enjoyed working at Parkside Hospital at Putney. There was supportive management at all levels, effective team-working and an open culture in which staff were able to raise concerns and make suggestions.

• All clinical areas we visited were visibly clean and tidy. Staff were aware of current infection prevention and control guidelines. Cleaning schedules were in place with clearly defined roles and responsibilities for cleaning and decontaminating the environment and equipment.

• The areas we inspected had a sufficient number of trained nursing and support staff with an appropriate skills mix to meet patients’ needs.

• Vulnerable adults, such as patients with a learning disability and those living with dementia were identified prior to their appointments and steps were taken to ensure they were appropriately cared for. This included a longer appointment time if required.

• Local patient questionnaires were available and themes were collated and used for feedback.

Professor Sir Mike Richards

Chief Inspector of Hospitals