Archived: Bromsgrove

Bromsgrove is part of Ultrasound Scanning Services Ltd and is a private clinic providing ultrasound baby scans and other diagnostic scans in Bromsgrove.

Bromsgrove provides various 2D, 3D and 4D scans of babies before birth using 4D ultrasound scanning equipment and visual aids. They offer early pregnancy scans, gender scans, and 4D ultrasound baby scans for reassurance and keepsake.

The service also provides various diagnostic scans for patients over the age of 18 which include general abdominal scans, deep vein thrombosis scans, prostate scans, kidney scans, bladder scan, ureter and bladder scans, testicular scans, aortic scans, and gynaecology scans.

This was our first inspection of the service since registration. We rated it as ​requires improvement​ overall because:

• Not all staff had completed mandatory training to keep patients safe.

• A staff member employed to support vulnerable patients had not received a Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) check. DBS checks identify whether a person has a criminal record or is on an official list of people barred from working in roles where they may have contact with children or adults who may be vulnerable.

• Not all staff knew how to make a safeguarding referral to external agencies.

• Managers did not have effective systems in place to identify risks, such as inconsistencies in completing hand hygiene audits and gaps in meetings for shared learning.

• Managers did not provide staff appraisals or have oversight of staff personnel files; therefore, were unable to review or update staff competency.

• Team meetings were not always regularly held to ensure staff were provided with regular updates and had the opportunity to provide feedback.

• The overall governance and risk management of the service required improvement. Managers did not have oversight of all areas, such as mandatory training.

However, we also saw:

• The service had enough staff to care for patients and keep them safe. The service generally controlled infection risk well. Staff assessed risks to patients, acted on them and kept good care records.

• Staff provided good care and treatment. Staff worked well together for the benefit of patients, advised them on how to lead healthier lives, 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 dignity and took account of their individual needs. They provided emotional support to patients and families were able to support patients.

• 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 during opening hours and did not have to wait too long for appointments.

• 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.