We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 20 March 2018 to ask the service the following key questions; are services safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led?

Our findings were:

Are services safe?

We found that this service was providing safe care in accordance with the relevant regulations.

Are services effective?

We found that this service was providing effective care in accordance with the relevant regulations.

Are services caring?

We found that this service was providing caring services in accordance with the relevant regulations.

Are services responsive?

We found that this service was providing responsive care in accordance with the relevant regulations.

Are services well-led?

We found that this service was providing well-led care in accordance with the relevant regulations.

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the service was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

CQC last inspected this service on 15 February 2013. That was an unannounced inspection and the service met all standards assessed.

Vernova Healthcare is owned by the 22 GP practices in the areaof Eastern Cheshire and whilst the GPs are the shareholders of the Community Interest Company, Vernova Healthcare is a “not-for-profit” organisation and re-invests any financial surplus into patient care.

Vernova Healthcare Community Interest Company is registered to provide a number of health care services at its location at Waters Green Medical Centre, the majority of which are NHS funded. These service are available by referral from the patient’s GP. The service works closely with Macclesfield Hospital to ensure that the services provided are joined up with hospital care. Services include phlebotomy, ultrasound, dermatology, aural micro suction and minor surgical procedures for example vasectomy and carpal tunnel surgery. In addition they provide a travel health clinic.

A registered manager was in post at this location and was available throughout the inspection. 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.

As part of our inspection we asked for Care Quality Commission (CQC) comment cards to be completed by patients prior to our inspection visit. We received 44 comment cards which were very positive about the standard of care received. Comments included; ‘’Excellent information and very approachable practitioners , exceed expectations all areas,’ ‘Staff were very caring ,they treated me with dignity and respect’ and ‘Excellent service, very thorough, punctual , explained everything very well.’ However one comment card identified they had experienced a delay in obtaining an appointment.

Our key findings were:

• There were policies and procedures in place for safeguarding patients from the risk of abuse. Staff had received training in safeguarding at an appropriate level to their role and knew who to go to for further advice.
• Recruitment policies and procedures were in place. There were enough staff to meet the demand of the service and appropriate recruitment checks for staff were in place.
• The premises were clean and systems and practices were in place for the prevention and control of infection to ensure risks of infection were minimised. Personal protective equipment (PPE) was readily available.
• Patients’ needs were assessed and treatment was planned and delivered following best practice guidance.
• Staff felt supported and had access to appropriate training.
• Patients commented that they were treated with dignity and respect. Patients were given good verbal information regarding their treatment. Witten information was available.
• There was a system in place to manage and learn from complaints.
• There were systems in place to monitor and improve quality and identify risk.
• Patient satisfaction views were obtained and analysed.
• There was a clear vision to provide a safe and high quality service. Staff felt supported by management and worked well together as a team.
• The provider was aware of and complied with the duty of candour.

As part of the inspection we spoke with two patients who were attending the centre. The patients expressed satisfaction with the service and felt their experiences had been positive. One person said, ‘’I have been very impressed with the information provided and the way we have been treated.’’

We also looked at some feedback received by the centre from people who had used the service. This was too very positive. One person had written, ‘We have had contact with two doctors, both who we have found to be extremely helpful and understanding.’

Throughout our visit we observed reception and health care staff addressing patients in a kind and respectful manner. Health care staff carrying out blood tests were heard explaining procedures to patients and checking they felt relaxed and comfortable.

During the inspection we looked at standards relating to how the patients’ wellbeing was promoted and how people were protected from harm. We also looked at staff training and support and how the quality of services were monitored. We found that the service was compliant in all the areas we assessed.

People we spoke with said they were satisfied with the treatment and care they received from Vernova Healthcare Community Interest Company which is based in Water Green Medical Centre. They told us they were made aware of any treatments they require and are able to express their views/discuss about any concerns they may have. They also told us they were satisfied that they were receiving treatment in a safe manner and that their privacy and dignity was maintained by staff.

People who use the service told us they liked having services such as blood testing located in the medical centre. They also told us they like the environment and that they are able to be involved in the service through the Patient Participation Group.

Overall people who use the service told us were very satisfied with service they receive.