A SOUTHAMPTON health centre has scored top marks in a patient-led inspection.

The Southampton NHS Treatment Centre at Royal South Hants Hospital was praised for its attention to care, dignity and cleanliness in the Patient Led Assessment of Care Environment (PLACE) report.

And inspectors said the Care UK-run service had learned lessons from previous reports to improve standards.

It’s carried out by a team who look at standards of food, privacy, cleanliness, appearance, maintenance and, for the first time this year, care of dementia patients.

Patient inspector Prof Peter Russell said after a very thorough inspection the centre had been found to be scrupulously clean.

And after both eating the centre’s food and talking to the patients as they ate, the inspectors judged the food was nutritious and enjoyable, and they also praised the attention given to the patients by the centre’s team.

He said: “We believe the centre is improving year on year.

“There had been issues around some signage that had not been resolved after a year when other issues we had raised had been resolved.

“It was explained to us that it was not Care UK but the estates team that was responsible and so we suggested that they accompany us on our inspections; that now happens and the results are clear to see.”

He added: “Many patients using services at the centre are also older and we want to ensure the centre is a welcoming place where they not only receive excellent treatment but where they feel supported and comfortable.”

The centre scored 100 per cent on cleanliness, 98 per cent for privacy, dignity and wellbeing, 94 per cent on food, 93 per cent on appearance and maintenance and 80 per cent for dementia care.

Its hospital director, Paula Friend, said: “The assessors’ feedback was very positive. I am very pleased that the team’s work was recognised by the assessors and I am grateful to the assessors for their diligence.

“Truly great and effective care cannot happen without acting on the views of patients.”

All the centre’s scores were above the national average.

Care UK has run the treatment centre since it opened at the hospital in 2009.

The private company also runs the minor injury unit at the RSH after winning its contract last year.

The RSH is one of 10 hospital services run by Care UK nationwide.