1 March 2014
During a routine inspection
We found that people attending the day surgery for surgical termination of pregnancies gave informed consent to treatment. People had already been counselled on their views and circumstances before being booked to attend for day surgery. Consent was checked at various points during their treatment pathway and people's views were respected if at any point they changed their minds about the treatment.
People's care and treatment was assessed, planned and delivered in line with their specific needs. People using the service said, for example, 'It's been wonderful from start to finish, considering the circumstances. They always tell you what's going on". Systems were in place to ensure people's safety. For example, there were checks on people's medical history and identity at different stages of their care. We saw that surgical checklists were used in line with national guidance, and clinical staff completed clear records of people's care and treatment. Arrangements were in place in case of medical emergencies.
Records were kept securely, in locked filing cabinets on the premises and on a password protected IT system. Paper records were transported to and from the service in locked cases and staff had completed information governance training.
Staff recruitment was robust to ensure people were cared for by suitably experienced and skilled staff, with an aptitude for the role. Safety checks were made on applicants, with criminal records and references checked prior to staff working with people.