On the day of our inspection clinics and treatment centres provided at Orpington Hospital included phlebotomy, rheumatology, orthopaedics, dermatology, and radiology. Other clinics provided at the hospital included gastrology and urology. We spoke with a number of patients and their carers who were attending a range of clinics. We also spoke with a number of staff including department managers, consultant doctors, registrars, nurses and healthcare assistants across the clinics. Overall, patients told us they were very happy with the service provided to them after being referred for consultations or treatments.
People told us that they were involved in making decisions about their care or treatment and they felt they were provided with sufficient information about their condition and the treatment options available to them.
Most people told us they had to wait to receive an appointment, some told us they waited up to six weeks. Other people told us they were seen quickly once they had been referred. When they arrived at the hospital most people told us they waited shortly after their appointment time before being seen but in general people were satisfied with their waiting time.
People told us they felt safe using the service and they knew how to complain. People told us they were treated with consideration and respect, and their privacy was maintained. Some people told us their records were not always available to enable doctors to review their medical history.