Hey Baby 4D Watford

Updated 21 April 2022

Hey Baby 4D Watford is operated by Ultrasound Image Studio Limited. The service provides private pregnancy scanning services and serves the communities of Hertfordshire. The service provides ultrasound scans for reassurance or gender determination from 6 to 42 weeks of pregnancy. Appointments include scan findings and images for keepsake purposes. In the event of anomaly detection, women were referred to the local NHS early pregnancy assessment unit or maternity service, depending on the stage of pregnancy. The service also provides non-invasive pregnancy testing (NIPT). NIPT is a screening test used to determine the risk of a child being born with certain chromosomal abnormalities.

The service registered with CQC in 2019. The service has had the same registered manager in post since registration.

This is the service’s first inspection since their registration with CQC.

Updated 21 April 2022

We have not previously rated the service. We rated it as good because:

• The service had enough staff to care for women and keep them safe. Staff had training in key skills, understood how to protect women from abuse, and managed safety well. The service controlled infection risk well. Staff assessed risks to women, acted on them and kept good care records.
• Staff provided good care and treatment. Managers monitored the effectiveness of the service and made sure staff were competent. Staff worked well together for the benefit of women, advised them on how to lead healthier lives, supported them to make decisions about their care, and had access to good information.
• Staff treated women with compassion and kindness, respected their privacy and dignity, and helped them understand their conditions. They provided emotional support to women, families and carers.
• The service planned care to meet the needs of local people, took account of women's individual needs, and made it easy for people to give feedback. People could access the service when they needed it and did not have to wait for their results.
• The service considered the impact a potential failed pregnancy or anomaly finding could have on women and their family. They planned services to reduce distress and developed scanning room exit policies to avoid additional distress.
• Leaders 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. They were focused on the needs of women receiving care. Staff were clear about their roles and accountabilities. The service engaged well with women to plan and manage services and all staff were committed to improving services continually.

However:

• The service did not have access to interpreters or signers.
• The service did not have regular formal staff meetings with minuted outcomes..

Updated 21 April 2022

We have not previously inspected the service. We rated it as good. See the overall summary above for details.