Window To The Womb

Updated 8 July 2022

Window to the Womb Ealing is owned by London Scans Limited and trades as Window to the Womb. It is part of a national franchise.

The service provides antenatal ultrasound imaging and diagnostic services to self-funding or private patients over 16 years of age. The service offers an early pregnancy clinic (from six to 15 weeks of pregnancy), and a later pregnancy clinic (from 16 weeks of pregnancy). Depending on the type of scan performed, these might involve checking the location of the pregnancy, dating of the pregnancy, determination of sex, and fetal presentation at the time of appointment.

Patients are provided with ultrasound video or scan images in 2D, 3D or 4D, and an accompanying verbal explanation and written report.

The service is registered with the CQC to provide the regulated activity of diagnostic and screening procedures.

At the time of our inspection the clinic employed one registered manager, two sonographers and seven scan assistants.

In the reporting period January 2021 to May 2022 the service carried out 3400 scans on patients who were 16 to 40 weeks pregnant and 1734 scans on patients from six to 16 weeks pregnant.

Updated 8 July 2022

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, and managed safety well. The service controlled infection risk well. Staff assessed risks to patients, acted on them and kept good care records.
• Staff provided good care and treatment. 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.
• 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, took account of patients’ individual needs, 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 their results.
• 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.

However:

• The quiet room which was used by patients and families who had received unexpected news did not have a door or screen to provide them with sufficient privacy.
• The service should consider reviewing the risk register on a more frequent basis.

Updated 8 July 2022

Window to the Womb Ealing is owned by London Scans Limited and trades as Window to the Womb. It is part of a national franchise.

The service provides antenatal ultrasound imaging and diagnostic services to self-funding or private patients over 16 years of age. The service offers an early pregnancy clinic (from six to 15 weeks of pregnancy), and a later pregnancy clinic (from 16 weeks of pregnancy). Depending on the type of scan performed, these might involve checking the location of the pregnancy, dating of the pregnancy, determination of sex, and fetal presentation at the time of appointment.

Patients are provided with ultrasound video or scan images in 2D, 3D or 4D, and an accompanying verbal explanation and written report.

The service is registered with the CQC to provide the regulated activity of diagnostic and screening procedures.

At the time of our inspection the clinic employed one registered manager, two sonographers and seven scan assistants.

In the reporting period January 2021 to May 2022 the service carried out 3400 scans on patients who were 16 to 40 weeks pregnant and 1734 scans on patients from seven to 16 weeks pregnant.