Ashton Lollipop

We rated it as requires improvement because:

• The service did not always control infection risk well.
• The provider did not monitor or have oversight of when ultrasound machines had last been serviced. The service did not always ensure specialist equipment was maintained.
• The service did not always check to make sure policies were regularly reviewed.
• The service did not always have access to women’s and staff records. Records were often stored off site. There was not a robust process for the safe storage, retention, and disposal of records.
• The complaints policy did not reference any external independent complaints service body for customers to access should they be unhappy with the providers response.

However:

• Leaders supported staff to develop their skills. Managers monitored the effectiveness of the service and made sure staff were competent.
• The service assessed risks to women and acted on them. Staff provided adequate care and treatment. Staff treated women with compassion and kindness, respected their privacy and dignity, took account of their individual needs. They provided emotional support to women, families and carers.
• The service planned care to meet the needs of local people, took account of women's individual needs. The service engaged well with women and the community. Staff were committed to improving services.