• Hospital
  • Independent hospital

Archived: Expectations Pregnancy Ultrasound Studio

Rixlade Barns, Abbotsham, Bideford, Devon, EX39 5BL

Provided and run by:
Mrs Clare Frazer Davies

All Inspections

During a check to make sure that the improvements required had been made

When we did our planned inspection of Expectations Pregnancy Ultrasound Studio on 2 November 2013 we found that people had not been directed to look at information provided by Public Health England. This meant that they had not been able to make a fully informed decision about ultrasound during pregnancy, especially where the scan was for social and not medical reasons and was therefore not a medical necessity. However, people had told us that they were extremely happy with the service provided and we found that the practitioner was very experienced and able to judge risk.

Toward this inspection we did not need to visit the studio again. Instead we were provided with a copy of the information which had been made available to people at the ultrasound studio and we also looked on Expectations Pregnancy Ultrasound Studio updated website.

We saw that people can now be fully informed prior to them consenting to ultrasound scanning because they have the additional information available to them.

2 November 2013

During a routine inspection

We visited the studio when clients were using the service. We met three people during the visit and spoke to four people by telephone.

People told us: "It's a really relaxed calm experience"; "I was very happy with the scan", "The room was lovely. Warm and toasty" and "It was a good experience."

People were pleased with the attention they received. They said they were provided with information throughout the scan and the time they needed for the scan to be a good experience was provided.

Most of the clients found information about the service from the studio's web site or were recommended. They said they had the information they needed before the scan. Each said that they signed a consent form prior to the scan. However, client's had not been able to make a fully informed consent as they had not been directed to guidance produced by the Health Protection Agency about ultrasound scanning in pregnancy.

People's care and welfare were promoted throughout the scan, which was performed by an experienced practitioner. If the scan identified concerns immediate steps were taken to ensure a follow up appointment was made with a consultant or other appropriate health care professional.

Equipment was maintained in a safe condition with regular servicing and maintenance as required.

The registered person, the practitioner, had many years experience in ultrasound pregnancy scanning and maintained appropriate registration and continuing professional development.