A GLOWING report on Tavistock Hospital has just been announced by government watchdog the Quality Care Commission.

The QCC visited Tavistock Hospital as part of a review of eight hospitals and medical centres, for a report on Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust.

The inspection covered the operating department and outpatient department at the hospital, where patients, relatives and staff were all interviewed.

The report states: 'Patients all agreed that the care and treatment they received was excellent. Each person said that from the time of entering Tavistock Hospital they were well cared for, having everything clearly explained.

'The positive feedback also referred to reception staff, nurses and doctors.'

The QCC inspectors found that Tavistock Hospital complied with all 'outcome' categories, which range from patients being treated with respect and being involved in their treatment, to staff numbers, quality control, cleanliness and record keeping.

Patients told inspectors that staff caring for them were respectful of their needs: 'They really took time to find out about me and put me at my ease,' said one patient.

Regarding the care of patients in the operating theatre, the report stated: 'Staff were clear of their roles for the afternoon. Formal pre-surgical safety checks were performed to a high standard whilst giving patients reassurance.'

The QCC inspectors also found that infection control was well managed at Tavistock.

They said: 'The main entrance to outpatients' clinic and day surgeries had signs displayed to remind people to wash their hands. There were also hand sanitizers located around each clinic area.

'Staff told us they had received infection control training and each clinic room had gloves, aprons and hand sanitizers for staff use.

'A nurse informed us that Tavistock has its own MRSA screening policy. This includes screening for people who have come via Derriford Hospital and being given the all clear before treatment starts.

'A tour of the clinics and day surgery areas rented to Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust found them to be clean and hygienic.'

The report also stated that the hospital building was well maintained and equipped.

Regarding personnel, patients told inspectors that staff were 'lovely', 'kind and reassuring' and 'superb'.

'One patient said the hospital staff had a reputation in the community for being very good,' the report said.

Monitoring and assessing the quality of service provision at Tavistock was also praised by patients when speaking to inspectors, who said: 'Results of a recent survey were shown to us and gave positive comments about the building, staff and treatments patients had received. One comment said: "Thank you for an excellent service" with another saying, "Everything was first class, it's what I have come to expect from this friendly professional hospital".

'One person had raised a concern and suggestion about the facilities in one area. The outcome was recorded and completed with input from the department team.'

During their inspection, the QCC found no-one who said they felt the need to complain about any aspect of their visit to Tavistock.

'Patients told us they had been very pleased with the service they had received to date,' stated the inspectors.

Steve Collings, senior matron at Tavistock Hospital, said: 'I am really proud of the high standards my team and I are achieving at Tavistock Hospital and we pride ourselves on delivering high quality patient centred services. 

'We will continue to work towards providing a centre of excellence offering a range of locally integrated services  responsive to local healthcare requirements.'