InHealth MRI - Wansbeck Hospital

Updated 23 August 2022

The service is a magnetic resonance imaging service, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a type of scan that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of the body. MRI scanning does not use radiation. An MRI scanner is a large tube that contains powerful magnets. Both private and NHS patients are seen within the service that is located within an NHS host organisation.

Children from the age of four through to adults of any age were seen at the location however complex procedures involving contrast dye for children were carried out elsewhere.

The service has been registered to carry out diagnostic and screening procedures since it was registered in 2011.

The service was inspected last in December 2018. At that time the service was rated as good for safe, caring, responsive and well led aspects of its service. Effective is not rated for diagnostic and screening services.

Updated 23 August 2022

Our rating of this location stayed the same. We rated it as good because:

• The service had enough staff to care for patients and keep them safe. Staff had training in key skills, understood how to protect patients from abuse. The service controlled infection risk well. Staff assessed risks to patients, acted on them and kept good care records. They managed medicines well. The service managed safety incidents well and learned lessons from them.
• Staff provided good care and treatment, gave patients enough to eat and drink, and gave them pain relief when they needed it. Managers monitored the effectiveness of the service and made sure staff were competent. Staff worked well together for the benefit of patients, advised them on how to lead healthier lives, supported them to make decisions about their care, and had access to good information. Key services were available to suit patients' needs.
• Staff treated patients with compassion and kindness, respected their privacy and dignity, took account of their individual needs, and helped them understand their conditions. They provided emotional support to patients, families and carers.
• The service planned care to meet the needs of local people and made it easy for people to give feedback. People could access the service when they needed it and did not have to wait too long for treatment.
• 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 patients receiving care. Staff were clear about their roles and accountabilities. The service engaged well with patients and the community to plan and manage services and all staff were committed to improving services continually.

However:

• The service did not always managed safety well.

Updated 23 April 2019

We rated the service as Good overall because;

·        The scanning room had appropriate warning signs displayed.

·        In the event of unexpected urgent clinical finding there was a clear process to follow.

·        There was a structured post graduate development programme

·        All the MRI staff had a current staff appraisal.

·        There was positive patient feedback.

·        Staff demonstrated an understanding of the patients and the dignity of patients was maintained.

·        Patients were given choices around their appointment times which were discussed at the point of booking.

·        Patients were provided with specific information if they were going to have a specialist MRI scan.

·        Referrals were prioritised by clinical urgency.

·        The management team were described as approachable, open and honest.

·        The service had a Clinical Governance Framework with links and representation on the local NHS trust meetings.

·        Risks were assessed, recorded and where applicable recorded on the risk register and escalated to senior managers.

Updated 23 August 2022

Our rating of this service stayed the same. We rated it as good.

See the summary above for details.