Patients happy with mobile clinical units

Over 90% of patients would recommend to a friend the new mobile clinical units that are operating in Rochdale as part of Greater Manchester CATS (Clinical Assessment and Treatment Service), according to a patient satisfaction survey.

The findings also revealed that over 80% of patients surveyed rated the service as ‘excellent’.

Trevor Purt,Chief Executive of NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale PCT, said: “These services provide a one-stop approach to patient care as an alternative to hospital treatment. They have made an encouraging start and we hope that patients who have used the units will spread the word about the quality of care they have received.”

The survey of 72 patients was carried out by Care UK, the independent healthcare provider that operates the new units, which began operating in early February.

The mobile clinical units are operating in Rochdale for a seven year period.

Dr Mark Hunt, Managing Director of Primary Care Division at Care UK, said: “We are delighted with the results of this first patient satisfaction survey. This is testament to the high quality of care that our consultants, nurses and other medical staff are providing at the mobile clinical units. We have invested heavily to make sure that patients gain the very best experience possible whilst in our care and the early signs show that the service is set to be a success and will make a real difference to patients in Greater Manchester.”

The survey also revealed that 47% of patients were seen straight away on arrival at their allocated time, 35% were seen in under 15 minutes and, in total, 98% were seen in under 30 minutes.

Nearly all patients said they were treated with dignity and respect and more than 80% rated the doctors at the mobile clinical unit as excellent.

Patients were also impressed with the way that procedures were explained, with 95% satisfaction. When asked to compare the visit to other treatment centres or clinics, over two thirds of people ranked it as ‘much better’.

The comfort of the facility was rated as 'excellent' by 80% of patients. The cleanliness of the units was also rated as ‘excellent’ by over 95% of patients.

The mobile clinical units are part of a seven year contract that Care UK is delivering on behalf of the NHS to provide a range of minor surgical procedures, from orthopaedic conditions, urology, gynaecology and musculoskeletal to treatment for ear, nose and throat problems.

Patients can either be referred through their GP and, in all cases, they will be seen by a Consultant, normally within a 14 day period at the CATS mobile clinical unit.