- Independent hospital
The Fetal Medicine Centre
Assessment report published 22 September 2026
Contents
Ratings - Diagnostic imaging
Our view of the service
We carried out an assessment of this service on 29 July 2026.
We assessed diagnostic imaging services at The Fetal Medicine Centre. The service provided specialist fetal medicine consultations, diagnostic scanning and prenatal testing for people who self-refer or are referred by healthcare professionals. There were 3 scan rooms in the premises as well as a small laboratory for blood collection and blood processing.
During the inspection we spoke with 6 staff including; the registered manager, clinical fellows and administrative staff. We reviewed patient feedback and spoke with four patients.
We rated the service good. Our observations of patient care and review of patient records demonstrated that staff assessed people’s needs thoroughly, explained findings clearly and supported people to make informed decisions about screening, diagnostic testing and next steps in their care.
The provider had clear referral and escalation pathways, including arrangements for onward referral to NHS fetal medicine services when urgent or abnormal findings were identified. Staff shared information with referring clinicians and maternity services to support continuity of care.
The provider had systems to monitor quality, incidents, complaints, and service performance. Leaders acted on feedback and made improvements, including strengthening consent processes and updating medicines storage arrangements following the assessment. However, there were still opportunities to strengthen governance, including clearer recording and routine discussion of risks, and improving staff understanding of some processes such as duty of candour and interpreting arrangements.
People's experience of this service
People we spoke with and feedback we reviewed consistently described positive experiences of the service. They told us staff treated them with kindness, compassion and respect, listened to their concerns and gave them enough time to ask questions. We observed staff speaking with people respectfully and provided additional time and privacy when discussing sensitive findings. People felt involved in decisions about their care and treatment, understood who to contact if they had concerns after their appointment, and were supported to make informed choices about next steps. Patient feedback and questionnaire responses were positive and indicated that people felt listened to and supported.
People could access appointments at times that met their needs, and staff adapted care to individual circumstances and preferences. Appointment schedules allowed flexibility so staff could provide additional explanation, reassurance or support when required without rushing people. The service made reasonable adjustments to support physical access, including wheelchair-accessible facilities and lift access.
People told us they felt safe, respected and well supported throughout their care. Staff communicated clearly, explained procedures and findings, and respected people’s choices about who was involved in their care. Our observations and feedback from people using the service provided evidence that staff supported privacy, dignity and person-centred care during appointments.