Archived: Fusion Radiology

Updated 11 August 2021

Fusion Radiology is operated by Fusion Radiology Limited, providing teleradiology reporting services including computerised tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The service also offers specialist dental cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) reporting. CBCT is a specialist scan which is used when regular dental or facial x-rays are not sufficient. Teleradiology is the transmission of patients’ radiological images between different locations to produce a primary report, expert second opinion or clinical review. The service has no direct contact with patients and does not provide direct patient care. The radiologists report on adult images.

The service is registered to carry out the following regulated activities:

• Diagnostic and screening procedures

The service has had a registered manager in post since May 2017.

Two radiologists and a part-time administrator were contracted to work for the service.

Track record on safety:

• Zero Never events.

• Zero serious injuries.

• Zero complaints.

The service has been inspected twice before, and the most recent inspection took place in March 2020, when we found that the service was not meeting all standards of quality and safety it was inspected against. We carried out this short notice announced inspection to follow up concerns from the previous inspection when we rated the location as inadequate.

Updated 11 August 2021

Our rating of this location improved. We rated it as good because:

• The service had enough staff to provide a safe service. Staff had training in key skills, understood how to identify abuse, and managed safety well. Staff assessed risks to patients, acted on them and kept good care records. The service managed safety incidents well and learned lessons from them. Staff collected safety information and used it to improve the service.
• The provider had systems to ensure reporting radiologists who provided services had appropriate equipment installed.
• The registered manager monitored the effectiveness of the service and made sure clinical staff were competent. There were effective systems to act on urgent and emergency referrals. There were escalation processes for reporting radiologists in the event of a significant finding. Staff worked well together for the benefit of patients and had access to good information.
• Clients could access the service when they needed it and received the report within the agreed time frame.
• The registered manager 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. Staff were clear about their roles and accountabilities.

However:

• The administration staff did not have a mandatory or update training programme or schedule.
• Policies and procedures were not always reviewed and updated, in a timely manner.
• The service had systems for identifying risks, however, they were not always reviewed and updated, in a timely manner.

Updated 11 August 2021

We rated this service as good overall, as we found it good in safe and well led. We do not rate effective for diagnostic imaging services. Responsive was not rated due to the limited information available. Caring was not inspected during this inspection as it was a teleradiology service. The service did not see patients and patients did not visit the premises.