During an assessment of Diagnostic and screening services
We inspected using our comprehensive assessment methodology. We carried out a short, announced inspection on 20 May 2026. We assessed all applicable quality statements from the safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led key questions.
Window to the Womb in Burscough is owned by Jam Scanning Ltd and trades as Window to the Womb. The service provides private ultrasound services to self-funding women who are over the age of 16 and more than 6 weeks pregnant. The service offers pregnancy scans, pelvic scans, fertility scans, general health scans for both men and women, and blood tests. Window to the Womb has separated their services into 2 clinic types. The ‘FirstScan’ clinic sessions specialise in early pregnancy scans up to 15 weeks gestation and general health scans for both men and women. ‘Window to the Womb’ clinic sessions offer later pregnancy scans.
The service had a registered manager in post since initial registration and was registered with the CQC to provide diagnostic and screening procedures. No medicines were used. We visited all areas of the clinic, including reception, waiting room, quiet room, viewing area, and scan room. We interviewed 4 staff, including the clinic manager, 1 sonographer, and 2 scan assistants. We spoke with 5 women who used the service. All staff records and 6 patient records were reviewed, and 2 scans were observed. We also interviewed the franchise owner and CQC registered manager. No special reviews or investigations had been carried out by CQC in the 12 months prior to inspection.
The service had enough staff to keep women safe. Staff were trained in key skills, safeguarded women from abuse, and managed safety and infection risks effectively. Risk assessments were carried out and documented appropriately. Safety incidents were managed well, with learning shared across the team.
Care and treatment were good. Managers monitored performance and ensured staff were competent. Staff worked collaboratively, supported women in making informed choices, and provided access to relevant information. Services were tailored to meet women’s needs.
Women were treated with compassion and respect. Staff maintained privacy and dignity, responded to individual needs, and offered emotional support to women and their families.
Care was planned around the needs of the local population. Feedback was encouraged, and access to services was timely, with no waiting list.
Reliable information systems supported service delivery and staff development. Staff understood the service’s vision and values, felt respected and supported, and were clear about their roles. The service engaged well with women and the community, and staff were committed to continuous improvement
However, at this assessment we identified breaches in safe staffing as the service did not always meet the regulatory requirements of fit and proper persons employed. Staff did not always have the relevant professional registration recommended for their role. Leadership was not always effective as there were gaps in processes to ensure the right staff was hired for a clinical role.
We have requested an action plan. This will be requested upon publication of the final report.