Stockton sexual health clinic praised
A SEXUAL health service has been praised for its compassion and its respect for people’s privacy and dignity after a visit by inspectors.
The service, which operates from a headquarters on Lawson Street, Stockton, was found to be good in all areas after the Care Quality Commission (CQC) visited in January.
Inspectors spoke to seven patients and reviewed feedback from more than 1,700 people as part of their probe.
And they found the service was good at being safe, caring, responsive, and effective with its leadership also rated as good.
The report added the service was clean and well maintained – with experienced staff following procedures and having good knowledge of patients’ needs.
It stated: “Staff treated patients with compassion and kindness, respected their privacy and dignity, and took account of their individual needs.
“Staff took time to interact with patients and those close to them in a respectful and considerate way.”
The service operates from the Live Well Centre, Middlesbrough, Redcar’s Community Heart and Hartlepool’s Fens Medical Centre as well as its Stockton site.
The HCRG Care Group runs the programme for those aged 13 and over across Teesside – with Stockton Council commissioning the service for Hartlepool, Redcar and Cleveland, and Middlesbrough Councils as well as NHS partners.
The group changed its name from Virgin Care Services Ltd in December.
Cllr Jim Beall, Stockton cabinet member for culture, leisure and health, wasn’t surprised by the good result – adding it was a good example of councils and the NHS working together.
He said: “We have a very strong monitoring system on it.
“There is a group of public health officers who meet on a regular basis to check what we’ve commissioned is what we’re getting – to monitor the contract.
“It comes as no surprise to us that the CQC has given it a good rating because we’re in regular close contact to ensure the quality of services provided on our behalf.”
Links with GPs, social care team, police, and the sexual assault referral centre were also praised in the probe.
However, some work was needed on reducing the coil fitting waiting list for patients due to high workloads.
Debra Adams, from HCRG, was pleased with the positive report.
She added: “I’m extremely proud of our team, this is a testament to their hard work day in, day out to deliver quality care and make a positive difference to the lives of people in Teesside.”