HCA Healthcare UK The Christie Private Care, Leaders in Oncology Care

Updated 17 March 2022

LOC - Leaders in Oncology Care is part of HCA Healthcare UK and was set up with the goal of providing care and treatment in accordance with recognised best practice. Initially a single clinic, the service expanded its facilities and services to meet the needs of patients, consultants and evolving treatment options. At the time of the inspection, there were six separate locations registered with the Care Quality Commission.

LOC @ The Christie primarily serves private patients from the North-West of England, but also accepts patient referrals from outside this area, including international patients. This is a joint venture with The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and is based within the main hospital building in Manchester. The service has 12 treatment bays, two additional areas for shorter treatments and a pharmacy. This was the first inspection of the service under our current methodology. The main service provided by this clinic was chemotherapy. We used the medical care service framework to carry out this inspection and best reflect the specific nature of the treatments available.

Updated 17 March 2022

We rated this location as outstanding because:

• Staff treated patients with exceptional compassion and kindness, respected their privacy and dignity, and took account of their individual needs. Staff provided sensitive emotional support to patients, families and carers to minimise their anxiety. They understood patients' personal, cultural and religious needs. Staff supported patients, families and carers to understand their condition and make decisions about their care and treatment.
• Leaders had the skills and abilities to run the service to a high standard. They understood and managed the priorities and issues the service faced. They were visible and approachable in the service for patients and staff. They supported staff to develop their skills and take on more senior roles. The service had a vision for what it wanted to achieve and a strategy to turn it into action, developed with all relevant stakeholders. The vision and strategy were focused on sustainability of services and aligned to local plans within the wider health economy. The service had an open, positive culture where patients, their families and staff could raise concerns without fear. The culture was evident in the environment, systems, processes and discussions with patients and staff. Leaders operated effective governance processes, throughout the service and with partner organisations. Leaders and teams used systems to manage performance effectively. They identified and escalated relevant risks and issues and identified actions to reduce their impact.
• The service provided mandatory training in key skills to all staff and made sure everyone completed it. Staff understood how to protect patients from abuse and the service worked well with other agencies to do so. The service controlled infection risk well. Staff used equipment and control measures to protect patients, themselves and others from infection. Staff completed and updated risk assessments for each patient and removed or minimised risks. Staff identified and quickly acted upon patients at risk of deterioration. The service had enough staff with the right qualifications, skills, training and experience to keep patients safe from avoidable harm and to provide the right care and treatment. Staff kept detailed records of patients’ care and treatment. Records were clear, up-to-date, stored securely and easily available to all staff providing care. The service used systems and processes to safely prescribe, administer, record and store medicines. The service managed patient safety incidents well.
• The service provided care and treatment based on national guidance and evidence-based practice. Staff gave patients enough food and drink to meet their needs and improve their health. The service made adjustments for patients’ religious, cultural and other needs. Staff assessed and monitored patients regularly to see if they were in pain and gave pain relief in a timely way. Staff monitored the effectiveness of care and treatment. The service had been accredited under relevant clinical accreditation schemes. Doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals worked together as a team to benefit patients. They supported each other to provide good care. Key services were available five days a week to support timely patient care. Staff gave patients practical support and advice to lead healthier lives. Staff supported patients to make informed decisions about their care and treatment.
• The service planned and provided care in a way that met the needs of local people and the communities served. It also worked with others in the wider system and local organisations to plan care. The service was inclusive and took account of patients’ individual needs and preferences. Staff made reasonable adjustments to help patients access services. They coordinated care with other services and providers. People could access the service when they needed it and received the right care promptly. Waiting times from referral to treatment and arrangements to treat and discharge patients were in line with national standards. It was easy for people to give feedback and raise concerns about care received.

Updated 17 March 2022

We rated it Outstanding.

See the overall summary for details.