Archived: Southampton NHS Treatment Centre

We spoke with five patients and two relatives following their outpatient's appointment at the treatment centre. Patients were complementary about the health professionals they saw. One relative told us they were 'very impressed with the speed and efficiency of the service their partner had received, from appointment to admission to the day unit'.

One patient had been to see the consultant at the appointment and was just waiting to receive the letter of confirmation of surgery date. They said 'I can't believe how quickly I got an appointment. I could choose the date to come in and it was available. I thought I would have to wait four or five weeks, but it's only two'. Another patient told us they did not feel rushed 'the consultant explained everything to me in terms I could understand and I was able to ask questions without being made to feel rushed'.

Patients experienced care, treatment and support that met their needs and protected their rights. Their health, safety and welfare was protected when more than one provider was involved in their care and treatment, or when they moved between different services.

Patients were protected against the risks associated with medicines because the provider had appropriate arrangements in place to manage medicines. The provider had effective recruitment and selection processes, and appropriate checks were undertaken before staff began work.

Comments and complaints patients made were responded to. One patient in the outpatients department had already used the service in the past, they told us, "I couldn't fault the care I received, and the staff were wonderful."