A 4D ultrasound centre which has been told to improve says they have 'already put everything right'.

Insta-Scan, on Burnley Road in Padiham, has been rated as ‘requires improvement’ in their latest CQC report, for a number of reasons including not always complying with data protection.

Despite the rating, the service is popular with expectant mothers, with dozens of five star reviews.

Manager Vicky Deaville said that she and her husband Richard Warriner are upset about the report, and claim they have already corrected everything that the CQC asked them to do.

Ms Deaville said: “We are extremely proud of the business. The mothers that come to us leave us lovely, glowing reviews.

"The 500-plus five-star reviews over two and a half years since we opened speak of the quality of care we give to our ladies.

"As does the recommendations of midwives, doctors and sonographers and hospital staff that regularly come to our business for scans and recommend us to others in their care as a qualified professional business. 

“The CQC said that we provide a caring service, that we plan the needs of patients and that we have values – this is something we are also very proud of.

“I feel like the report is a reflection of a paperwork issue rather than the service we provide to expectant mothers.

“Richard, my husband, has been a qualified NHS sonographer for 25 years and he knows what he is doing.

“Everything that was brought up by the CQC, like data protection, the last of inclusivity and safeguarding concerns have all been addressed already.

“We have made all the improvements asked by them, and we look forward to the next visit.”

Insta-Scan provides private ultrasound services to people aged 16 and over who are more than six weeks pregnant.

In the unannounced inspection, which took place on May 28, they were told that they must ensure service user records are stored in-line with general data protection regulations.

The inspector noted that the equipment was all PAT tested but that staff did not know when it had last been serviced.

The inspection read: “On the day of our inspection, staff were not able to describe whether the machine had any specific servicing and maintenance requirements.

“This meant there was a lack of assurance around the performance of the scanning machine.

“They told us they checked the machine probes, cables and connectors daily and the machine was under warranty.”

Following the inspection, the CQC said the service has provided evidence to show they had enquired about recommended servicing for the machine and they had purchased a new servicing contract.

The inspection noted that the manager appeared to be competent in safeguarding but that due to lack of training, the sonographer, who has the ‘most opportunity’ to identify any concerns, may not identify them.

It was also noted that, although staff knew how to do a referral, they did not always collect enough details to make one properly.

The premises was clean and tidy, and control measures to protect service users, staff and others from infection were well kept.

Staff identified and quickly acted upon service users at risk of deterioration. However, staff did not always assess service user risks prior to their scan.

The inspection noted that the service provided evidence-based care and treatment; treated users with compassion and kindness; planned care to meet their needs; and leaders developed a vision and values for the service and applied them in their work.