BPAS - Sandwell

Ratings - Termination of pregnancy

• Overall

  Good

• Safe

  Good

• Effective

  Good

• Caring

  Good

• Responsive

  Good

• Well-led

  Good

Our view of the service

We carried out this assessment as the service had not been inspected since March 2022 when it was rated as requires improvement. BPAS Sandwell offers consultation, medical assessment, early medical abortion up to 9 weeks and 6 days and surgical termination of pregnancy up to 13 weeks and 6 days weeks gestation, service specific counselling and treatment. As part of the care pathway, women are offered sexual health screening and contraception.

We assessed all quality statements across the safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led key questions and have combined the scores for these areas to give an overall rating.

The service had a good learning culture and patients could raise concerns. Managers investigated incidents thoroughly. Patients were protected and kept safe. Staff understood and managed risks. The facilities and equipment met the needs of patients, were clean and well-maintained and any risks mitigated. There were enough staff with the right skills, qualifications and experience. Managers made sure staff received training and regular appraisals to maintain high-quality care. Staff managed medicines well.

Patients were involved in assessments of their needs. Staff reviewed assessments taking account of patient’s communication, personal and health needs. Care was based on latest evidence and good practice. Staff worked with all agencies involved in patient’s care for the best outcomes and smooth transitions when moving services. Staff made sure patients understood their care and treatment to enable them to give informed consent.

Patients were treated with kindness and compassion. Staff protected their privacy and dignity. They treated them as individuals and supported their preferences. Patients had choice in their care and were encouraged to maintain relationships with family and friends. Staff responded to patients in a timely way. The service supported staff wellbeing.

Patients were involved in decisions about their care. The service provided information that patients could understand. The service was easy to access and worked to eliminate discrimination. Patients received fair and equal care and treatment.

Leaders and staff had a shared vision and culture based on listening, learning and trust. Leaders were visible, knowledgeable and supportive, helping staff to develop in their roles. Staff felt supported to give feedback and were treated equally, free from bullying or harassment. Staff understood their roles and responsibilities. Managers worked with the local community to deliver the best possible care and were receptive to new ideas. There was a culture of continuous improvement with staff given time and resources to try new ideas.

People's experience of this service

Patients were all positive about the staff treating them with warmth and kindness and providing effective care and treatment. We observed very caring interactions between the staff and patients. Patient satisfaction survey results were mostly positive.