The Wellington Hospital Elstree Waterfront, part of HCA Healthcare UK, rated 'Outstanding' by CQC

The Wellington Hospital Elstree Waterfront Outpatients and Diagnostics Centre, has been rated ‘Outstanding’ by national regulators, the Care Quality Commission (CQC). HCA Healthcare UK now has 16 ‘Outstanding’ ratings, a higher proportion than any other private hospital group in the UK.

The modern, spacious and comfortable centre, which serves the communities of Elstree and the surrounding area of Hertfordshire and North London, provides same day appointments for Diagnostic tests and scans, including MRI, Ultrasound and X-ray, as well as Private GP appointments.

Part of The Wellington Hospital, the UK’s largest private hospital, at The Wellington Hospital Elstree Waterfront Centre patients can be seen promptly by world-renowned consultants in a wide range of specialities including orthopaedics, gastroenterology, cardiology, neurosurgery, spinal, women’s health and more. The Centre also has a dedicated Paediatrics unit, with specialist paediatric consultants and nurses, a dedicated waiting area for families, consulting rooms for children and a paediatric treatment room for minor procedures.

The CQC found examples of outstanding practice at The Wellington Hospital Elstree Waterfront that support the delivery of quick, high-quality care, including:

• No waiting list for outpatients, and staff had established a number of rapid-access care pathways that meant patients could see a consultant and undergo diagnostic testing and treatment on the same day.
• Since January 2022, an impressive 98% of children were seen within 15 minutes of arriving at the centre.
• The provision of an on-demand blood testing service, including immediate collections for urgent requests and results provided within 24 hours. Not only did this help patients to undergo blood testing quickly, reducing their anxiety, it also helped pressures on the health system.
• The ear, nose and throat (ENT) suite provided clinicians with rapid access to micro-suction and nasopharyngoscopy that reduced the need for repeat visits or delayed treatment.
• Staff took a proactive approach to understanding the needs and preferences of different patient groups.
• The Centre is also well-led with leaders who understand and manage priorities and are visible and approachable for patients.

The CQC also praised the centre’s doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals that ‘worked together as a team to benefit patients.’ Staff were found to work across health care disciplines and with other agencies when required to care for patients, and multidisciplinary
working was a fundamental aspect of the service and underpinned all elements of care. They also held regular and effective multidisciplinary meetings to discuss patients and improve their care.

The CQC also highlighted the importance placed on both staff and patient mental health and wellbeing, praising the centre’s implementation of a mental health champion programme as a part of a wider wellbeing strategy.

The wider ethos of HCA UK was also found to be running through the centre. The CQC noted ‘there was a strong record of sharing work locally, nationally and internationally’, with a drive to participate in research, ultimately benefitting patients through evidence-based care.

HCA Healthcare UK has a higher proportion of CQC ‘Outstanding’ ratings than any other private hospital group in the UK, with the addition of The Wellington Hospital Elstree Waterfront Centre resulting in a total of 16 ‘Outstanding’ locations and 15 ‘Good’ locations.

Eric Reichle, CEO of The Wellington Hospital Elstree Waterfront, said:

“We are pleased to be rated ‘Outstanding’ by the CQC, and proud that our commitment to delivering a same-day, expert service to our local communities has been recognised.

“Part of the HCA UK system, The Wellington Hospital Elstree Waterfront Centre provides adult and paediatric patients high-level care at a convenient location and quick access to the UK’s leading specialists in HCA’s hospitals. 

“This rating is testament to our approach of looking after our patients and staff alike, as well as our continued commitment to providing the very best care for our patients.”