During our inspection we spoke with three members of staff, two patients and a relative. The patients we spoke with were seen promptly. Staff gave patients information in a professional and courteous way.

The provider had arrangements in place to deliver the results of scans completed to the healthcare professionals who had requested them in a timely manner. There was a system in place to fast track urgent cases if necessary.

The provider carried out a yearly risk assessment of the environment. We saw evidence that the last one had been completed in January 2013. The assessments considered matters such as fire equipment and precautions, trip hazards and cleanliness.

The provider had arrangements in place to support staff in relation to their role and responsibilities through yearly appraisals. On the day of our inspection the unit was staffed by two senior clinical vascular scientists and a trainee. There was a clear structure to the programme that trainees followed in order to achieve full competence. The provider had a central system in place to maintain an overall record of mandatory staff training.

Arrangements were in place to assess and monitor the quality of service provided in carrying out the regulated activity. The provider audited staff performance across all types of investigation through periodic reviews of patient cases.

We spoke with two people who used the service. One person told us that they did not have to wait to be seen. They said “The [ultrasound] procedure was explained to me in a way I could understand”.

The people we spoke with said following the explanation of the ultrasound procedure the staff asked verbal permission to proceed. We heard that people were satisfied with the service they received. One person said they were treated with respect and their dignity was maintained.

We saw that there was two treatment rooms, each had the appropriate equipment and was staffed with a Clinical Vascular Scientist.

We saw that safeguarding policies and procedures for adults and children were available. The staff we spoke with were knowledgeable about these procedures and confirmed they received training in safeguarding and responding to suspicions of abuse.

Staff told us about the other types of training they received and we saw records of this.

We saw that information was clearly displayed for people to make comments, suggestions and to complain should they wish to do so.