Belfast Clinic achieves two consecutive RQIA Inspections with no areas for improvement
RQIA identified no areas for improvement in April 2025. The clinic’s previous inspection in February 2024 also identified none.
Woodford Medical is a private medical, laser and intense pulsed light clinic on the Lisburn Road in Belfast. We are proud to share the findings of our latest inspection by the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA).
Following its inspection on 16 April 2025, RQIA identified no areas for improvement at the clinic. This follows our previous inspection in February 2024, which also resulted in no areas for improvement being identified.
For our patients, these two consecutive inspection outcomes provide meaningful reassurance about the standards of safety, care and clinical governance operating throughout Woodford Medical.
Good practice at our Belfast clinic
The inspection assessed our regulated private doctor, laser and intense pulsed light services against relevant legislation and minimum care standards.
RQIA identified good practice across numerous areas, including:
- Staff recruitment and professional training
- Safeguarding
- Laser and intense pulsed light safety
- Management of medical emergencies
- Infection prevention and control
- Management of clinical records
- Communication between patients and staff
- Patient confidentiality, privacy and dignity
- Information that helps patients make informed choices
The report also confirmed that no immediate concerns were identified regarding the delivery of frontline client care.
A highly trained clinical team
RQIA found that Woodford Medical had appropriate staffing arrangements and suitably trained professionals.
Our authorised laser and intense pulsed light operators had current training in equipment use, basic life support, infection control, fire safety and safeguarding. The report also recorded evidence of Dr Mervyn Patterson’s current General Medical Council registration, appropriate qualifications, professional indemnity insurance, continuing professional development, annual appraisal and revalidation arrangements.
Safe laser and intense pulsed light treatments
The inspection examined our laser and intense pulsed light safety arrangements in detail. RQIA found that treatments were performed only by named, authorised operators working under current safety rules and medical treatment protocols.
The treatment environment was found to be safe and controlled. Appropriate protective equipment was available, detailed treatment registers were maintained, and the equipment was serviced in accordance with manufacturers’ guidance. Recommendations arising from an independent Laser Protection Adviser’s risk assessment had also been addressed.
RQIA concluded that appropriate arrangements were in place for the safe operation of our laser and intense pulsed light equipment.
Clean safe and prepared
The inspector found our laser treatment and consultation rooms to be clean and free from clutter.
Comprehensive infection control procedures were in place, supported by appropriate handwashing facilities, personal protective equipment and processes for decontaminating equipment between patients.
Woodford Medical was also found to have suitable arrangements for managing medical emergencies. Emergency equipment and medicines were securely stored, regularly checked and ready for immediate use. Relevant clinical staff had current basic life support training.
Informed and respectful care
Every patient deserves to understand their treatment and feel fully involved in decisions about their care.
RQIA confirmed that patients receive an initial consultation and clear information about their proposed treatment, including its expected effects, possible side effects, risks and potential complications.
The clinical records examined during the inspection were accurate and up to date. They included medical histories, signed consent forms and detailed treatment information, together with skin assessments and patch test results where appropriate.
The report also confirmed that patients are treated with dignity and respect, with consultations and treatments conducted privately. RQIA’s review of our December 2024 satisfaction report found that patients were highly satisfied with the quality of treatment, information and care received.
Strong management and quality assurance
The inspection recognised the systems supporting the clinic’s day-to-day management. Our policies and procedures were indexed, dated and systematically reviewed. Regular meetings and clinical audits took place, with identified improvements incorporated into practice.
The inspection also confirmed that Woodford Medical had clear arrangements for managing complaints and incidents. No complaints had been received since the previous inspection.
RQIA concluded that suitable arrangements were in place to assure the quality of the services provided.
Our continuing commitment
Achieving two consecutive inspections with no areas for improvement is an outcome of which our whole team is extremely proud.
It reflects the clinical expertise, careful management and attention to safety behind every consultation and treatment at Woodford Medical. Most importantly, it offers our patients independent reassurance that they are choosing a professional, well-managed clinic committed to safe, respectful and high-quality care.
We will continue to review and improve our services so that every patient can visit Woodford Medical with confidence.