Patients did not realise they had consented to treatment at a Liverpool pregnancy scanning service, according to health inspection findings.
The Care Quality Commission compiled a list of concerns it found when inspectors visited Ultrasound Ltd at the Cotton Exchange, Bixteth Street. As a result, the private ultrasound scanning clinic has been deemed to require improvement.
Among the issues found were the inconsistent approach to infection control, with staff failing to use measures to “protect women, themselves, and others from infection”. The report from the June inspection said the service did not always ensure specialist equipment was maintained or manage clinical waste well.
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According to its website, Ultrasound Ltd said it strives “to offer you the best baby scanning service we possibly can; our trusted professionals will ensure all your needs are met with the highest quality expert care.” However, CQC inspectors identified that the service did not complete and update risk assessments for women to remove or minimise risks.
In addition, many tasks and duties expected of a registered manager were not completed as they also acted as lead sonographer. Issues were also identified around cleanliness, including with the design of some of chairs in the clinic room, which did not enable them to be effectively cleaned.
The report said: “This is because the chairs were fabric covered and not impermeable to dirt and liquid.” Electrical equipment, including the ultrasound scanning machine did not have portable appliance testing (PAT) stickers on.
During inspection, the registered manager was not sure when the equipment had last been tested. Evidence provided at the time of registration showed that equipment had been PAT tested November 2020.
The registered manager told the CQC they checked the machine probes, cables, and connectors, and cleaned the filters daily but there was no record or dates to evidence that this was done every day.
Concerns were raised by the CQC that Ultrasound “did not gain consent from women for their care and treatment in line with legislation and guidance.” The report said: “The service only had a one stage consent process, and this was at the time of booking an appointment.
“Women using the service had implied consent when they booked their appointment, but the service did not ensure that informed consent was gained after this. One woman we spoke with told us they had not signed any consent form prior to their appointment.
“They had been unaware that they had consented for treatment when they ticked the terms and conditions box. During the scans we observed, we did not see the registered manager gain verbal consent from any women prior to the scan commencing.”
Despite the concerns, the health inspectors did establish the service had suitable facilities to meet the needs of women and their families. The report said the registered manager treated women with compassion and kindness, respected their privacy and dignity, and took account of their individual needs.
The service kept equipment and the premises visibly clean and planned and provided care in a way that met the needs of some local people and the communities served. The ECHO approached Ultrasound Ltd for comment.
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