Farnham Centre for Health

Updated 12 December 2018

InsideVue Limited provides an independent ultrasound service at Farnham Centre for Health. The service opened in 2007 and is located within Farnham Hospital and primarily serves the communities of Farnham and the surrounding areas.  InsideVue Limited provides a range of ultrasound examinations to both children and adults which include but not limited to abdominal, transvaginal, musculoskeletal and vascular. The service shares facilities with River Wey Medical Practice which include a waiting room and has two ultrasound scanning rooms. One of the two ultrasound rooms is dedicated to InsideVue Limited and the other is shared with a neighbouring practice within Farnham Centre for Health.

Updated 12 December 2018

Farnham Centre for Health is an independent ultrasound service operated by InsideVue. The service registered with the CQC in 2012.

It was last inspected in 2013 under the previous CQC inspection methodology and met the standards that it was measured against.

We inspected this service using our comprehensive inspection methodology. We carried out the unannounced part of the inspection on 5 September 2018.

We rated the service as good overall.

Our key findings were as follows:

• Staff had undertaken mandatory training and training specific to their roles to support the delivery of safe care.

• Staff had the right qualifications, skills and knowledge to do their job.

• Staff understood the principle of assessing mental capacity and best interest decisions but they had not had to apply this knowledge.

• The service was planned and delivered in a way which met the needs of the patients. Patients had timely access to appointments of their choice and staff were flexible in their approach, which ensured patients’ needs were met.

• Staff were aware of their responsibilities within adult and children safeguarding practices and support was available within the hospital for them to protect people in vulnerable circumstances.

• Information on how to raise a concern or complaint was available. Complaints and concerns were responded to in line with the complaints policy.

• Staff were aware of their responsibilities to report incidents and there was a good incident reporting culture amongst staff.

• There was a comprehensive appraisal process where clinical staff were supervised by the clinical lead radiologist.

• The service had a clear vision and strategy that staff knew about.

• The views of staff, patients and stakeholders were gathered and action plans developed to improve the service.

However, there were areas where the service needs to make improvements.

The service should:

• Conduct regular monitoring of hand hygiene, and take action when risks are identified.

• Ensure ultrasound scanners are serviced at regular intervals in line with manufacturers guidelines.

• The service should formalise and minute staff meetings.

Dr Nigel Acheson

Deputy Chief Inspector of Hospitals

Updated 12 December 2018

Overall, the care provided by the service was safe, effective, caring, responsive and well led. Patients were happy with the care they received and found the staff to be caring and compassionate.

Staff were well trained and supported and worked according to agreed national guidance to ensure patients received the most appropriate care. There were sufficient staff, with appropriate skills and expertise to manage the service.

Patients told us staff were professional, friendly and provided an excellent service. The number of compliments far exceeded the complaints.

Over 99% of scans were reported and sent to the referring GP within 24 hours of the scan being completed.