Ultrasound Direct Milton Keynes

This was our first inspection for Ultrasound Direct Milton Keynes. We rated it as requires improvement because:

• Staff had not always ensured that cleaning, equipment checks and first aid kit checks had been carried out and recorded as required.
• Staff had not carried out risk assessments for substances which met the ‘Control of Substances Hazardous to Health’ (COSHH) regulations.
• Staff did not complete any training on recognising and responding to patients with learning disabilities or autism. This became a requirement in July 2022.
• Staff did not have access to contact details for the local authority so that they could make a referral when they identified safeguarding concerns.
• Staff did not always report incidents and near misses in line with the service's policy.
• Data or notifications were not consistently submitted to external organisations as required.
• The registered manager was not always able to demonstrate that they had appropriate knowledge of applicable legislation and regulations.
• There were inconsistencies in the effectiveness of governance, information management and the management of risk, issues and performance.

However:

• The service had enough staff to keep patients safe. Staff understood how to protect patients from abuse. 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 and supported them to make decisions about their care.
• 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.
• People did not have to wait too long for treatment. The service made it easy for people to give feedback.
• Staff felt respected, supported and valued. They were focused on the needs of patients receiving care. Staff were clear about their roles and accountabilities. The service engaged well with patients and staff were committed to improving services continually.