InHealth Stratford is operated by InHealth Limited (InHealth). The service provides MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) diagnostic facilities for adults and young people over the age of 16 years.

We inspected MRI diagnostic facilities.

We inspected this service using our comprehensive inspection methodology. We carried out the unannounced inspection on 30 October 2018.

To get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care and treatment, we ask the same five questions of all services: are they safe, effective, caring, responsive to people's needs, and well-led? Where we have a legal duty to do so we rate services’ performance against each key question as outstanding, good, requires improvement or inadequate.

Throughout the inspection, we took account of what people told us and how the provider understood and complied with the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

The main service provided by this unit was MRI.

Services we rate

This was the first inspection of this service. We rated it as Good overall.

We found good practice in relation to diagnostic imaging:

• There were effective systems in place to keep people protected from avoidable harm.

• There were sufficient numbers of staff with the necessary skills, experience and qualifications to meet patients’ needs.

• There was a programme of mandatory training which all staff completed, and systems for checking staff competencies.

• Equipment was maintained and serviced appropriately and the environment was visibly clean.

• Staff were trained and understood what to do if a safeguarding issue was identified.

• Records were up to date and complete and kept protected from unauthorised access.

• Incidents were reported, investigated and learning was implemented.

• The service used evidence based processes and best practice, this followed recognised protocols. Scans were timely, effective and reported on in good time.

• Staff were competent in their field and kept up to date with their professional practice.

• Staff demonstrated a kind and caring approach to their patients and supported their emotional needs.

• Appointments were available during the evening, at weekends and at short notice if required.

• The referral to scan times and scan to reporting times were appropriate and well within expected ranges. Complaints from patients were taken seriously and acted upon.

• The service had supportive and competent managers. Staff understood and were invested in the vision and values of the organisation. The culture was positive and staff demonstrated pride in the work and the service provided.

• Risks were identified, assessed and mitigated. Performance was monitored and performance information was used to make improvements.

However, we also found the following issues that the service provider needs to improve:

• The provider should ensure that the anaphylaxis box has a label detailing its contents and a record sheet with the date, name, signature and role of the person checking its contents.

• The service should ensure cleaning records are recorded daily and up to date.

Following this inspection, we told the provider that that it should make other improvements, even though a regulation had not been breached, to help the service improve. These can be found at the end of the report.

Nigel Acheson

Deputy Chief inspector of Hospitals (London and the South East)