This service is rated as Good overall.

The key questions are rated as:

Are services safe? – Requires improvement

Are services effective? – Good

Are services caring? – Good

Are services responsive? – Good

Are services well-led? – Good

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Brunel House as part of our inspection programme.

The service provides vaccinations, independent travel advice including vaccinations and occupational health services. The service sees approximately three to five patients a week.

This service is registered with CQC under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 in respect of some, but not all, of the services it provides. There are some general exemptions from regulation by CQC which relate to particular types of service and these are set out in Schedule 2 of The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. At Brunel House, services are provided to patients under arrangements made by their employer or an insurance company with whom the servicer user holds a policy (other than a standard health insurance policy). These types of arrangements are exempt by law from CQC regulation. Therefore, at Brunel House, we were only able to inspect the services which are not arranged for patients by their employers or an insurance company with whom the patient holds a policy (other than a standard health insurance policy).

The lead clinician is the registered manager. A registered manager is a person who is registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

We received 33 CQC comment cards that were wholly positive about the service and referred to friendly, efficient and professional care.

Our key findings were:

• The service had systems in place to keep people safeguarded from abuse.
• Risk assessments for fire and security needed formalising however, processes were in place to mitigate these risks. Shortly following the inspection, we were sent evidence that formal risk assessments had been completed.
• Health and safety and infection control audits had been completed.
• The service had not completed an electrical or gas safety check. Shortly following the inspection, we received evidence that a gas safety check had been completed and an electrical safety check had been booked.
• Not all equipment had been calibrated to ensure accurate readings. Shortly following the inspection, we received evidence that this had been booked.
• Adequate policies and procedures were in place.
• The registered manager, who was also the clinician, was appropriately trained and qualified.
• There were systems in place to ensure treatment was in line with relevant legislation and guidelines.
• Vaccinations were prescribed and administered safely.
• The service worked with local universities and schools to educate the population on travel safety.
• Patients were able to book appointments at a time that suited them and were given advice regarding how to stay safe and healthy whilst travelling. Patients with mobility issues were signposted to alternative services.
• Patients told us through CQC comment cards that the service was caring, helpful and professional.

The areas where the provider should make improvements are:

• Maintain fire and security risk assessments to ensure continued safety of patients.
• Ensure completion of an electrical safety check

Dr Rosie Benneyworth BM BS BMedSci MRCGPChief Inspector of Primary Medical Services and Integrated Care