Window to the Womb - Eastbourne

Updated 26 September 2022

Window to the womb is operated by Sussex Baby Scans Limited. The service opened in 2021 and has not been inspected before.

This is a private service and operates under a franchise agreement with Window to the Womb (Franchise) Limited. The service is an independent healthcare provider offering antenatal ultrasound imaging and diagnostic services to self-funding women aged over 16 years of age.

The service provides diagnostic imaging for self-referring women through a range of ultrasound scan examinations during pregnancy. Ultrasound scan packages include early reassurance scans (from six to 15 weeks and six days), gender scans (from 16 weeks), growth and wellbeing scans (from 24 to 40 weeks, pre-birth) and 4D scan packages (from 24 -34 weeks).

Appointments include scan findings and images for keepsake purposes. In the event of possible anomaly detection, women are referred to the local NHS early pregnancy assessment unit or maternity service depending on the stage or gestation of pregnancy.

The clinic was open from early afternoon to evenings Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, Wednesday mornings, all day on Saturdays and every other Sunday. The clinic was closed on Fridays.

The service had a registered manager who was also the franchise owner.

Updated 26 September 2022

This is our first inspection of the service.

We rated it as good because:

• The service had enough staff to care for women and keep them safe.
• Staff had training in key skills, understood how to protect women from abuse, and managed safety well.
• The service-controlled infection risk well. Staff assessed risks to women, acted on them and kept good care records.
• Staff provided good care to women that was based on continuous improvement and excellence.
• Managers monitored the effectiveness of the service and made sure staff were competent.
• Staff worked well together for the benefit of women, supported them to make decisions about their care and had access to good information.
• Key services were available flexibly.
• Women were truly respected and valued as individuals. Staff empowered them as partners in their care, practically and emotionally.
• The service planned care to meet the needs of people who used the service, took account of women’s 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 a diagnostic procedure.
• 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 women who used the service.
• Staff were clear about their roles and accountabilities. The service engaged well with women to plan and manage services and all staff were committed to improving services continually.
• The leadership, governance and culture were used to drive and improve the delivery of high-quality person-centred care.
• The leadership team actively sought opportunities for improvement.

However:

• Staff did not always lock computer screens when not in use. During our inspection we saw staff leave the scan assistant room with the computer screen unlocked and the ultrasound machine was left on following the clinic finishing for early reassurance scans. This meant the scan image could be seen on the ultrasound screen and television screens placed on the wall.

Updated 26 September 2022

We rated it as Good, see the summary above for details.