Sonoworld Diagnostic Services Limited

Updated 10 January 2023

The service was an independent ultrasound scanning service which provided musculoskeletal, abdominal, gynaecological, head and neck, breast and variety of vascular scans. The service was based in central London and provided services to private patients over the age of 18 years.

The service was registered for the following regulated activity:

• Diagnostic and screening procedures

This is the first time we have inspected this location. The director of the clinic was the sole sonographer working. A registered manager has been in place since the service first registered with the CQC.

Between September 2021 and October 2022, the service has conducted 1730 ultrasound scans. The top ultrasound scanning areas were; abdominal, pelvis and thyroid/ neck.

Updated 10 January 2023

We carried out an inspection of Sonoworld Diagnostic Services Limited using our comprehensive methodology on 31 October 2022. This was the first time we inspected the service. We rated it as good because it was caring, responsive, and well led. We rated safe as requires improvement. We do not rate effective for this type of service.

We have not previously rated this service. We rated it as good because:

• The service had enough staff to care for patients and keep them safe. Staff had training in key skills. Staff assessed risks to patients, acted on them and kept good care records. The service understood how to manage safety incidents.
• The registered manager 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. Key services were available to suit patients' needs.
• Staff treated patients 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 patients, families and carers.
• The service took account of patients’ 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 appointment.
• Leaders ran services well using reliable information systems. Staff understood the service’s vision and values. Staff felt respected, supported and valued. They were focused on the needs of patients receiving care. Staff were clear about their roles and accountabilities. The service engaged well with patients and staff were committed to improving the service.

However:

• The service did not manage clinical waste well.
• Not all the furniture within the clinic was easily wipeable.
• The service did not store and dispose of some of the confidential waste in line with their information governance policy.
• The service did not store some Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) items securely.
• The service had not implemented all the actions from the health and safety risk assessment carried out by the external company in August 2022.

The service kept minimal record of pre-appointment checks.

Updated 10 January 2023