Updated 18 December 2025
We inspected using our comprehensive inspection methodology. We carried out a short announced inspection on 30th October 2025. We assessed all quality statements from the safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led key questions.
Window to the Womb in Salford is owned by D I Harries Manchester 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 six weeks pregnant. The service offers pregnancy scans, pelvic scans, fertility scan, general health scans, and blood tests. Window to the Womb has separated their services into two clinic types, ‘firstScan’ clinic sessions specialise in early pregnancy scans up to 15 weeks gestation. ‘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 controlled drugs were used. We visited all areas of the clinic, including reception, waiting room, quiet room, viewing area, and scan room. Six staff were interviewed, including the clinic manager, deputy manager, two sonographers, and a scan assistant. Two women and four relatives also shared their views. Staff and patient records were reviewed, and two scans were observed. No special reviews or investigations had been carried out by the 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.
Leadership was effective. 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.