The Care Quality Commission
  • Doctor
  • Independent doctor

Archived: Harley Street Fertility Clinic

43 Devonshire Street, Westminster, London, W1G 7AL (020) 7436 6838

Provided and run by:
Harley Street Fertility Clinic Limited

All Inspections

4 December 2012

During a routine inspection

We spoke with people who use the service and looked at recent letters of thanks that had been sent to the service. People were satisfied with the care and treatment they had received. One person told us that staff had made them feel comfortable and had explained their options thoroughly. Where people had not been satisfied, we saw evidence that the provider had investigated their concerns, responded appropriately and made any necessary changes.

Everyone who used the service was assessed and treated by a specialist doctor. Diagnostic tests were carried out before any treatment was started and people were encouraged to speak to a counsellor, provided by the service. If staff had concerns about the well-being of the person or the future well-being of a child they were required to speak to the counsellor. In addition, the person was discussed at the provider's fortnightly Ethics Committee. There were no safeguarding policies in place, but staff were able to explain what action they would take.

There were appropriate recruitment processes in place and staff had had the necessary checks before they started work. There were systems in place to monitor the quality of the service provided. People were asked for their feedback, regular staff meetings took place and the service was licensed by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) and subject to their requirements. The provider might find it useful to note that there was no programme of audit for the service.