The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has carried out an inspection of Baby Ultrasound Clinic Sheffield.
Baby Ultrasound Clinic Sheffield is privately operated by Baby Ultrasound Clinic Sheffield Limited and carries out ultrasound scans for expectant mothers.
A focused inspection was carried out in June in response to concerns. The service was not rated as inspectors looked at the areas of safe and well-led only. The service had not been inspected or rated previously.
Following the inspection, the service was issued with a warning notice due to concerns found around governance.
Sarah Dronsfield, CQC head of hospital inspection said:
“When we inspected Baby Ultrasound Clinic Sheffield, we found several areas that needed improving to ensure expectant mothers receive safe and effective care when visiting the service for a scan.
“There was no robust system to monitor and respond to a deterioration in women’s health during their appointment. Staff told us they would ring emergency services, however, there was no process to identify when staff should escalate any concerns.
“It was concerning that sonographers had no thorough guidance to follow if unexpected results or abnormalities were identified on an ultrasound scan.
“At the time of inspection, there was no system in place to ensure staff were suitably qualified, skilled and experienced for their role and the manager didn’t ensure staff had all the appropriate documentation required for their role.
“We were pleased to see, however, that staff were friendly, welcoming, and confident. They spoke positively about their roles and demonstrated pride in their work.
“We have told the provider what improvements need to be made to address the concerns identified. We will continue to monitor the service and will return to check on progress.”
Inspectors found the following during this inspection:
- The service did not have systems and processes in place to assess, monitor and improve the quality and safety of the service
- When working with other organisations there needs to be agreements in place to ensure the safe and secure sharing of information
- There was no escalation process in place in the event of recognising abnormalities during ultrasound scanning
- Risks to women’s health were not assessed before delivering keepsake scans
- There was no process in place to ensure that specialist machinery was frequently cleaned to prevent and control the spread of infections
- The provider must ensure they have evidence that staff meet the professional standards required for their role
- The service encouraged women and staff to raise any issues. We saw examples where concerns had been investigated with a view to making improvements
- The manager promoted a positive working culture within the service that supported and valued staff.