Watchdog finds failings at cosmetics clinic in Notting Hill
By Adrian Zorzut, Local Democracy Reporter
A London cosmetics clinic has been given an inadequate rating by the medical watchdog after inspectors found unqualified staff handing out medicines to patients.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) said over the past 12 months, Signature Clinic, in Charles Square, Notting Hill did not have enough suitably qualified staff to care for patients.
A report from an inspection in August found staff handing medication to patients who felt anxious, customers threatened with legal actions for complaining, and managers not medically qualified to sign off on health checks.
Inspectors also found cabinets storing hazardous substances and operating theatres left unlocked, no evidence of when equipment was last cleaned, used linen left on beds and “illegible” patient notes.
They also found a communication breakdown between senior leadership and junior staff and workers who didn’t know how to report an incident. Inspectors did, however, praise staff for treating patients compassionately.
Inspectors visited the premises after being tipped off by patients who said they were threatened with legal action for complaining.
Inspectors added: “We were not assured that all patients were given a two-week cooling off period as the surgeon had told two CQC inspectors that treatment plans could be adapted on the day of the procedure.”
A spokesman for Signature Clinic said: “We have asked the CQC for a ratings review and an independent review of the report as we believe that there are multiple inaccuracies in it despite the factual accuracy check done.
“We believe that the current rating does not reflect the high quality of service provided.
“That said, we have made significant improvements to our process and procedures to ensure we are in full compliance with industry acknowledged best practice.
“Untrained staff have, in some circumstances, handed medication to patients where they were prescribed by a registered clinical practitioner.
“We have made significant improvements. We look forward to welcoming the CQC to inspect the service and we are confident that the improvements made will result in a rating of ‘Good’.”
Picture: Wikimedia Commons/Alice Pien