In this report, we use the term ‘parent’ to describe either the birth parent or primary carer of the baby.
We carried out an inspection of Birthtale using our comprehensive methodology on 14th July 2022. This was the first time we inspected the service. We rated it as good because it was safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well led:
- The practitioner had training in key skills, understood how to protect babies and their parents from abuse, and managed safety well.
- Risk assessments were completed for babies using a standard assessment tool. The practitioner recognised risks to patients, acted on them and kept good care records.
- The practitioner treated babies and their parents with compassion and kindness, took account of their individual needs, and helped parents understand the condition.
- The practitioner provided emotional support to parents and made it easy for them to give feedback. Parents could access the practitioner when they needed it and did not have to wait long for assessment or treatment.
- The practitioner followed national guidance and there was evidence of quality monitoring through regular audit.
- The process of seeking and recording consent was thorough and included enough information to allow for informed decisions to be made by the parent.
However:
- Although suitable informal arrangements existed, the practitioner should seek written confirmation of level four safeguarding support from a local authority or other suitable organisation.