We carried out a review of the data available to us about Herts & Essex Fertility Centre on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about Herts & Essex Fertility Centre, you can give feedback on this service.
The service was last inspected in 2014 and met the standards required. This is the first time we have inspected this location under our new rating system. We rated it as good because:
However:
We looked at the treatment records of eight people who used the service. We saw that these contained detailed information on their medical and social history. This ensured that the service could properly assess the risk of any treatment to people's health and well-being.
On the day of our inspection the premises appeared to be bright, airy and spotlessly clean. We spoke with one person who told us, "Even if my boys play on the floor they still leave here clean." We saw that the service's infection control policy had been updated in January 2014.
The manager told us that they had put forward two members of the administration team, who had shown an interest in nursing, for an apprenticeship in health and social care. The staff had successfully completed the course and had become qualified health care assistants in December 2013.
We saw, that people's records were kept in locked cabinets within an area accessible only to people with the relevant security access. This meant that people's records were protected from access by unauthorised people.
People experienced care, treatment and support that met their needs and protected their rights. We saw that people's dignity and diversity were respected. One person said, 'That was well managed. We felt it was just about us. Every person is a new person here and they want to give each person all the success they can.'
The environment provided clean and well maintained surroundings for people using the service. People told us they found it comfortable and welcoming and that all the facilities and equipment needed were always to hand.
We found that people were cared for by suitably qualified, skilled and experienced staff. Records showed that there were safe recruitment processes in place and that staff were provided with the training required to support them in keeping people safe. People said, 'The staff are excellent", and, 'The staff are amazing. They work as a team and all know what they are doing.'