Innovate Diagnostics

We rated the service as requires improvement because:

• There was a lack of evidence of compliance with mandatory training, safeguarding training to the appropriate level for the service, infection prevention and control processes, and premises and equipment maintenance.
• There were no clear consistent protocols for managing deteriorating patients, insufficient evidence around life support training, and limited reporting or learning from incidents.
• The service followed evidence-based procedures, but not all policies were up to date and some clinical practices were not covered by the policies in use. Audits were not undertaken to show patients had good outcomes. There was no clear evidence to show staff were trained and competent.
• The service's processes for ensuring fit and proper person's were employed were not effective and not all clinical staff working within the service had evidence of records such as DBS checks and references.
• Managers had not implemented effective processes to ensure the service was delivered using reliable information, assurance and governance systems. Risk management processes were not used to identify or manage risk. There was no clear process used for updating and managing policies and some policies were not always followed in practice. There were minimal governance processes but records relating to these, including minutes of meetings, were not kept. There was little evidence of learning, continuous improvement and innovation.

However:

• The service had enough staff to care for patients and keep them safe.
• Patients would be protected from abuse or improper treatment as staff knew how to act in the event of suspected safeguarding concerns.
• Staff treated patients with compassion and kindness, respected their privacy and dignity, took account of their individual needs, and helped them understand their conditions. They provided emotional support to patients, families and carers.
• The service planned care to meet the needs of local people 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 procedure.
• The service responded to the needs of patients and provided a service when it was required with few delays or cancellations.
• There was a vision and value for the service and the leadership were visible and approachable.
• Staff felt respected, supported and valued. They were focused on the needs of patients receiving care.