Background to this inspection
Updated
21 February 2019
East Anglia Ultrasound Services is operated by East Anglia Ultrasound Service Ltd. The service provides routine scans for obstetrics, gynaecology, abdominal and specialised scans such as muscular skeletal (MSK), testes, hernias, breasts, lumps, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), carotid arteries, paediatric scans and four dimensional (4D) scans.
The service is registered for diagnostic and screening procedures, during our inspection the provider informed us they were also providing scans for children under 18 years of age, this was not recorded on their statement of purpose.
The service has a registered manager in post since registering with the CQC. At the time of our inspection the nominated individual was leading the service while the registered manager was on an extended period of leave. The provider had not informed CQC of this and we advised them to send the appropriate notification to us, which they did following our inspection.
Updated
21 February 2019
Ultrasound scanning services, which is classified under the diagnostic imaging and endoscopy core service was the only core service provided at this service. We rated this service as requires improvement for safe and well led. We rated caring and responsive as good. Effective was not rated. Systems for the management and referral of safeguarding concerns did not reflect current best practice. There was no safeguarding children policy in place. The service did not always manage patient safety incidents well, staff recognised incidents but did not report them appropriately. Policies, procedures and guidelines did not always reference current legislation, evidence-based care and treatment or best practice.
However, we also found the service provided mandatory training in key skills to all staff and made sure everyone completed it. The service controlled infection risk well. The service had enough staff to provide the right care and treatment. Staff cared for patients with compassion. Feedback from patients confirmed that staff treated them well and with kindness. The service made sure staff were competent for their roles. Managers promoted a positive culture that supported and valued staff. The service engaged well with patients, staff, and the public.