Independent hospitals, clinics and medical agencies

How we inspect

We look at how services:

• Meet the National Minimum Standards for Independent Health Care Services in Wales. 
• Comply with the Care Standards Act 2000
• Comply with the Independent Health Care (Wales) Regulations 2011

Our inspections of these services may be announced or unannounced. Our inspections are carried out by at least one HIW inspector and external reviewer (with relevant professional experience).  

Who needs to be registered with us

Independent hospitals:

• acute hospitals (who provide a wide range of services including medical and / or surgical treatment, including investigations, under general anaesthesia or intravenously administered sedation);
• mental health hospitals;
• hospices;
• dental hospitals providing treatment under general anaesthesia;
• maternity hospitals;
• hospitals providing termination of pregnancy;
• hospitals providing cosmetic surgery; and
• ‘prescribed techniques’ or ‘prescribed technology’ e.g Endoscopy, Hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT), Circumcision of male children, Dialysis, In vitro fertilisation (IVF), Use of a Class 3B or 4 Laser or Intense Pulsed Light Source (IPL).

Independent Clinics

Independent clinics are establishments within which services are provided by private medical practitioners. For a service to be classed as an independent clinic, it cannot provide overnight beds. 

Services may include:

• Basic physical or psychiatric measurements and investigations.
• Minor procedures such as curettage, cautery, cryocautery of warts, or other skin lesions.
• Longer term treatment for chronic conditions.
• Treatment for drug and alcohol misuse.
• Medicines may be prescribed.Discussion of diagnosis and treatment options or onward referral for other services.
• Weight management / weight loss services.
• Travel vaccination services.

Independent medical agency services

These are often termed private ‘call out’ medical services. They may be provided to patients who are permanent residents or residing on a short term basis. 

Services may include:

• Basic physical or psychiatric measurements and investigations.
• Minor procedures.
• Prescription of medicines.
• Discussion of diagnosis and treatment options or onward referral for other services.
• Travel vaccination services.
• Internet consultation, diagnosis or prescription.

Independent medical agencies may also provide an ‘Out of Hours’ call out service for independent clinics.

The following document provides guidance about what we will look at during an inspection. If you would like a copy of our inspection workbook please contact hiwinspections@gov.wales quoting which inspection type of workbook you require.