The Care Quality Commission
  • Hospital
  • Independent hospital

Express Diagnostics

Overall: Good read more about inspection ratings

6 Research Way, Plymouth Science Park, Derriford, Plymouth, Devon, PL6 8BU (01752) 201144

Provided and run by:
Express Diagnostics Limited

All Inspections

08 November 2022

During a routine inspection

We last inspected Express Diagnostics in 2013 but we had not previously given a rating. This was the first inspection for Express Diagnostics using our current methodology and ratings. We rated it as good because:

  • The service had enough staff to care for patients and keep them safe. Staff had training in key skills, understood how to protect patients from abuse, and managed safety well. The service controlled infection risk well. Staff assessed risks to patients, acted on them and kept good care records. They managed medicines well. The service managed safety incidents well and learned lessons from them.
  • Staff provided good care and treatment. Managers monitored the effectiveness of the service and made sure staff were competent. Staff worked well together for the benefit of patients and had access to good information. Key services were available to suit patients needs.
  • Staff treated patients with compassion and kindness, respected their privacy and dignity, and took account of their individual needs.
  • The service planned care to meet the needs of local people, took account of patients’ individual needs, and made it easy for people to give feedback. People could access the service when they needed it and did not have to wait too long for their appointments.
  • Leaders ran services well using reliable information systems and supported staff to develop their skills. Staff understood the service’s vision and values, and how to apply them in their work. Staff felt respected, supported and valued. They were focused on the needs of patients receiving care. Staff were clear about their roles and accountabilities. The service engaged well with patients and the community to plan and manage services and all staff were committed to improving services continually.

21 August 2013

During a routine inspection

We spoke with six people all were happy with the service they received from Express Diagnostics. We spoke with people before and after their appointments. All were complimentary about the service; two people told us 'excellent service'.

Several of the services listed within the Statement of Purpose for Express Diagnostics were not currently being provided due to a lack of patient referrals from GP's and the local referral centre or availability of suitably skilled staff. These included exercise tolerance testing and general medical ultrasound. On the day of inspection we saw that Audiology, Electrocardiography, Echocardiography, Lung Function tests and Podiatry services were available.

Staff asked for people's consent before any investigations took place and ensured that people knew they could stop the investigation or treatment at any time.

Care and support was planned and delivered in a way that was intended to ensure people's dignity, comfort and safety. Staff were appropriately qualified and could therefore carry out their roles effectively.

People who used the service were protected from the risk of abuse, because the provider had taken reasonable steps to identify the possibility of abuse and prevent abuse from happening. All staff had received training in abuse awareness.

Staff records showed that recruitment checks had taken place for each staff member to ensure that people were cared for safely by suitable staff.

All complaints were investigated and appropriate action taken. Records showed that learning took place from any complaints or concerns raised.

20 March 2013

During a routine inspection

People were happy with the service that they received from the centre. We saw comments such as "Ten out of ten for quality of service" and "Everything was perfect and staff most professional and reassuring".

Care and support was planned and delivered in a way that was intended to ensure people's safety and welfare. Strenuous health assessments did not take place unless a person's fitness had first been assessed. Staff responded to people who used the service in a friendly and considerate manner. They were appropriately qualified and could therefore carry out their roles effectively. We could see that people's dignity was maintained and their privacy protected.

People who used the service were not always protected from the risk of abuse, because the provider had not taken all reasonable steps to identify the possibility of abuse and prevent abuse from happening. We looked at staff records and found that one member of staff had not been checked by the Criminal Records Bureau before they commenced their employment.

There was a system in place to monitor the quality of service provided. Information gained from audits was analysed and used to make any improvements indicated.