A Liverpool-based Covid-19 testing firm has been told to make improvements by England’s health and social care regulator.
After concerns were raised with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), DAM Health on Rodney Street has been deemed to require improvement overall following an inspection almost two months ago. A report published by the CQC has outlined how the firm, which describes itself as the UK’s leading provider for covid-19 testing solutions, must improve.
It said at the time of the inspection in September, treatments being provided that required CQC registration included weight management treatments and travel vaccinations. Such services like testing for coronavirus do not fall within that scope.
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Officers said specific amendments were required to “to make sure care was provided in a way that kept patients safe and protected them from avoidable harm.” During the inspection, it was identified that a disclosure and barring check (DBS) was not undertaken for a member of staff employed at the service and in the absence of a DBS check, a risk assessment had not been completed.
Some risks associated with the premises had also not been identified and emergency procedures referred to the use of oxygen which was not available on the premises. Patient follow up consultations were not always fully documented in the patient record and details of consultations were not always shared with the patients GP.
Some shortfalls with the safety of the premises had also been found, which risk assessments had not identified, such as a broken lock in a toilet accessible to patients, staff and visitors and some loose carpet on the stairs. A Legionella risk assessment expired in August 2022 and the provider had not made arrangements for a new assessment to be carried out at the time of the inspection, according to the report.
The inspectors found that DAM Health assessed needs and delivered care in line with relevant and current evidence-based guidance and standards. Staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles and patients were treated with respect and staff were kind, caring and involved them in decisions about their care.
Responding to the CQC findings, Liam Spence, director of operations at DAM Health, said: "DAM Health is an award-winning provider of diagnostics and medical testing solutions and we have a huge and successful international operation. We have a solid track record of delivery but recognise that, while we have largely been rated 'good', there are areas for improvement as outlined by the CQC.
“As a result of their findings and because we are a rapidly growing healthcare provider, we have taken positive steps to strengthen our management structures and have employed new personnel with extensive healthcare experience to make the experience of our customers and stakeholders even better. As a company we strive for excellence and will take every action to deliver it. "
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