Our inspection took place at St Helier Hospital.

We spoke to two patients and the relative of one patient during our visit to CESP (Surrey) at St Helier hospital. All of the people we spoke to were positive about their experiences of care from the provider. One person told us “they are very understanding, very human”. Another said “it is very good. I am totally happy”.

Patients told us that they felt well informed about their treatment options and able to ask questions if they wished. We observed that the provider made thorough assessments of the patients’ needs and made efforts to ensure their ongoing wellbeing following treatment.

We saw that the provider made suitable checks on the fitness of consultants to practise as part of the partnership. They also took steps to ensure that hospital staff were appropriately qualified and fit to carry out their roles.

The provider had an agreement in place with Epsom & St Helier NHS Trust that helped to ensure the safety and suitability of the premises in which the services were provided.

We also found that patients’ notes were recorded, transported and stored appropriately.

CESP (Surrey) is operated by Consultant Eye Surgeons Partnership (Surrey) LLP. The partnership is composed of six ophthalmic specialists, who are employed by an NHS trust.

CESP provides elective ophthalmic surgery to around 300 private patients annually, using facilities at the trust’s eye day care unit. Patients are generally referred by their optometrist and either fund their own treatment or pay through an insurer. These people have visual problems caused by the formation of cataracts, where the natural lens in the eye becomes cloudy. The service specialises in intra-ocular surgery to remove cataracts and replace them with implanted plastic lenses, usually under local anaesthetic. Other treatments designed to improve vision after cataract surgery are also offered, including laser therapy.