Archived: BPAS Taunton

Updated 6 December 2016

The British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) is a not-for-profit organisation formed in 1968. It has 44 registered locations and 21 satellite units across the UK. BPAS Taunton is contracted to provide a Termination of Pregnancy service for the women of Taunton and the surrounding area. The service is commissioned by Taunton and Somerset Foundation Trust and has been providing a service since 2013. This current contract has been extended to 2017.

BPAS Taunton provides a termination of pregnancy service at two sites. Taunton Central is a satellite of the main service location BPAS Taunton which is located at Musgrove Park hospital.

All initial visits, consultations and early medical terminations of pregnancy up to 10 weeks gestation take place at Taunton Central at Millstream House which is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 5:30pm.

Surgical terminations of pregnancy up to 12 weeks gestation take place at BPAS Taunton which is located within Musgrove Park Hospital purpose built day surgery department of and is open Saturdays from 8:30am to 2:30pm.

In the previous 12 months 1 January to 31 December 2015, the service completed 346 early medical abortions and 316 surgical abortions, under local anaesthetic.

The registered manager for this centre was registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) since 2013 for BPAS Taunton and is also the registered manager for BPAS Plymouth.

We carried out this comprehensive inspection as part of the first wave of inspection of services providing a termination of pregnancy service. The inspection was conducted using the Care Quality Commission’s new methodology. We have not provided ratings for this service. We have not rated this service because we do not currently have a legal duty to rate this type of service or the regulated activities which it provides.

Updated 6 December 2016

Updated 6 December 2016

• The termination of pregnancy services at BPAS Taunton provided safe care for patients. The environment at both sites was visibly clean. Staff followed BPAS infection control procedures and infection control rates were low. Incidents were investigated and the learning, including learning from incidents at other BPAS locations, was shared with the staff. Medicines were appropriately and safely managed. There were sufficient numbers of suitably trained staff available to care for patients. Safeguarding procedures were in place to protect both vulnerable adults and children from harm.

• There were appropriate procedures to provide effective care. Patients had their needs assessed and care planned and delivered in line with evidence based guidance and recommendations. Pain management was considered and patients were made comfortable. BPAS has a planned programme of monitoring. Audit outcomes were feedback to staff to promote good practice. Staff received regular supervision and appraisals. Multidisciplinary working was undertaken with GP’s involved when possible and pathways to transfer patients in place. Consent was obtained from the patient at each stage of the treatment.

• The service provided was caring and compassionate. Staff respected patient confidentiality and ensured patients dignity was maintained. The patient’s beliefs and faiths were respected and their choices supported. Staff were seen to be respectful of patient’s cultural, social and religious needs. Patients were provided with appropriate and timely support and information to cope emotionally with their care and treatment.

• The service was planned and delivered to be responsive to patients’ needs. Patients could access the service within a short timescale. This included a fast track appointment system to prioritise patients with a higher gestational age and more complex needs or circumstances. The service takes into account the different needs of people to support them through the treatment. Patients’ complaints were listened and responded to. However : BPAS should advise patients’ that staff only provide impartial, non-directive advice and are trained as counsellor's but not to a Diploma level. If therapeutic counselling is required, BPAS will refer patients on to external services with appropriately trained pregnancy counsellors. The provider should also audit those patients who exceed the 10 working days to treatment to evidence patient choice.
• The service provided was well led. Staff followed the vision for the service by treating all patients with dignity and respect in a non-judgemental way. The development strategy for this service was on going with staff being aware of future plans. There was an established governance structure at national, regional and local level to manage risk and quality including an audit programme, and an established process for sharing learning. Staff spoke positively about how they enjoyed their work and felt a strong sense of family and teamwork. Public and staff engagement was encouraged to develop the service provided.