Health Sciences University

Updated 8 July 2022

AECC University College is an independent diagnostic and screening service based in Bournemouth. The department is a school within a university specialising in health science. The service offers x-ray, ultrasound, and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning to private and NHS patients. In addition, they offer free ultrasound services to volunteers to increase the number of patients, students are exposed to as part of their observed learning.

In the last twelve months the service has provided 5220 ultrasound scans, 225 x-rays, and 1236 MRI scans.

The service is registered to provide diagnostic and screening procedures.

All imaging is carried out by qualified practitioners and assistants. Students did not carry out any x-ray or scanning procedures.

The MRI scanner is an open upright scanner which provides scanning to patients, providing an essential service for patients unable to tolerate standard MRI scanners.

The service is provided to the whole population.

Updated 8 July 2022

We carried out a comprehensive inspection of AECC University College on 5 and 10 May 2022. This service was last inspected in February 2014. At that inspection the service was not rated but was compliant with the relevant regulations.

AECC University College provided diagnostic imaging.

Before the inspection we reviewed information we had about the location, including information we received and available intelligence. The inspection was unannounced.

We rated safe and responsive and well-led as requires improvement and caring as good. We do not rate effective in diagnostic imaging services.

Our overall rating of this location is requires improvement because:

• Staff did not receive all of the training they needed to keep patients safe. Staff did not receive training that would enable them to support people who lacked capacity to make decisions about their care. Chaperones did not receive chaperone training.
• The service did not always control infection risk well. There were no clinical handwashing sinks in the ultrasound rooms. There were no cleaning checklists in the toilets or staff kitchen.
• Managers did not always make sure staff were competent to operate equipment. There was no record of staff competencies so we could not tell if staff had been trained to use equipment.
• The service did not have communication tools to support patients with communication needs. Staff used relatives to interpret on their behalf instead of using trained, impartial, interpreters.
• Leaders did not have all of the skills required to run the service well.

However:

• The service had enough staff to care for patients and keep them safe. Staff mostly had training in key skills, understood how to protect patients from abuse, and managed safety well. Staff assessed risks to patients, acted on them and kept good care records. The service managed safety incidents well.
• Staff provided good care and treatment. 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 treatment. They provided emotional support to patients, and carers.
• The service planned care to meet the needs of local people 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.
• 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. The service engaged well with patients and the community to plan and manage services and all staff were committed to improving services continually.

Updated 8 July 2022