Clifton Dialysis Unit

Ratings

• Overall

  Good

• Safe

  Good

• Effective

  Good

• Caring

  Good

• Responsive

  Good

• Well-led

  Good

Our view of the service

Clifton Dialysis Unit is operated by Fresenius Medical Care Renal Service Limited. It provides satellite renal dialysis services for people referred from the local specialist renal commissioning trust and treats patients in the Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre areas. We commenced a focused assessment of the dialysis services on 8 July 2024 and carried out an onsite inspection on 29 and 30 July 2024. The inspection was unannounced. During the inspection, we spoke with staff, leaders, people who use the service and stakeholders. We looked at care records, policies and other documents relating to the service. The service had enough qualified, competent and suitably trained staff to care for people and keep them safe. Staff understood how to protect people from abuse and managed medicines and infection risks well. Staff assessed risks to people. Staff managed safety incidents well and learned lessons from them. Staff assessed people’s health needs and provided person-centred care and treatment with positive care outcomes. Staff worked well together and with service partners to deliver safe care and supported people to make informed decisions about their care and treatment. Staff treated people with compassion and kindness and respected their privacy and dignity. Staff were responsive to people’s needs, listened to them and provided emotional support. The service did not have a current registered manager. An interim clinic manager fulfilled this role with support from a deputy manager and senior regional leads. The leadership team had the skills, experience and capability to manage services. A substantive clinic manager had recently been appointed and planned to become the registered manager for the service. There were effective governance and accountability arrangements. Leaders promoted a positive work culture based on equality, diversity and inclusion. Staff understood the service’s vision and values and were supported to speak up or raise concerns.