Ultrasound-Care Scanning Services Ltd T/As Peek-a-Baby

We had not previously rated this location. We rated it as requires improvement because:

• The service did not always control infection risks well. Staff did not always use equipment and control measures to protect patients, themselves and others from infection.
• There was no hand washing facility in the scanning room and this meant staff had to leave the room to wash their hands between each patient.
• The service had some arrangements in place to assess and manage risks to women, however, the process for addressing the risk to individual women was not comprehensive.
• Access to electronic devices were not always encrypted to avoid data breaches, in the event of unauthorised access.
• Leaders did not always use systems to identify and escalate relevant risks. Governance processes were not always effective and we did not identify processes to review policies and risks on the risk register.

However:

• The service had enough staff to care for women and keep them safe. Staff had training in key skills, understood how to protect patients from abuse, and managed safety well.
• Staff provided good care and treatment. Managers monitored the effectiveness of the service and made sure staff were competent. Staff worked well together for the benefit of patients, supported them to make decisions about their care, and had access to good information.
• Staff treated women with compassion and kindness, respected their privacy and dignity, took account of their individual needs, and helped them understand their conditions. They provided emotional support to women, families and carers.
• The service planned care to meet the needs of local people, took account of women’ individual needs, and made it easy for people to give feedback. People could access the service when they needed it and did not have to wait too long for treatment.
• Leaders supported staff to develop their skills. Staff understood the service’s vision and values, and how to apply them in their work. Staff felt respected, supported and valued. They were focused on the needs of women receiving care.