The Ultrasound Clinic

Updated 11 May 2022

The Ultrasound Clinic is operated by 289 Imaging Limited. The service had contracts with three local clinical commissioning groups (CCG) to provide non- obstetric ultrasound scans. The service provided obstetric scans and non-invasive pregnancy testing (NIPT) until February 2021. NIPT is a screening test used to determine the risk of a child being born with certain chromosomal abnormalities. The service provided both NHS and private scans. Patients were referred by their consultants or general practitioner.

The service registered with CQC in 2020. The service has had the same registered manager in post since registration.

This is the service’s first inspection since their registration with CQC.

Updated 11 May 2022

We have not previously inspected the 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, understood how to protect patients from abuse, and managed safety well. The service controlled infection risk well. Staff assessed risks to patients, acted on them and kept good care records.
• 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. 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 planned care to meet the needs of local people, 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 treatment.
• Leaders ran services well using reliable information systems and 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 patients receiving care. Staff were clear about their roles and accountabilities. All staff were committed to improving services continually.

However:

• Recruitment checks such as disclosure and barring service (DBS) and references were not carried out before staff commenced employment.
• The service did not analyse the feedback from patient satisfaction surveys to determine if there were potential areas for improvement.
• The service did not have access to interpreters or signers.
• The service did not have regular formal staff meetings with minuted outcomes.
• The service had not undertaken risk assessments for the cleaning products under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH).

Updated 11 May 2022

We have not previously inspected the service. We rated it as good. See the overall summary above for details.