firstScan Core Policies

This is a long section so making notes is recommended.

Fetal Abnormality Policy

• The Fetal Abnormality Policy clearly sets out that there are clear differences between the referral process for early scans and those for Window to the Womb.
• There will be many more referrals when carrying our early scans due to the increased miscarriage risk in early pregnancy; this is why the client has chosen to have a scan
• We will always seek to make an appointment with the local Early Pregnancy Unit and inform the woman of the details of the appointment
• We will produce an Obstetric Scan Report which will be printed directly from the scan machine.
• It is important that you are aware of this policy and where to locate it within the clinic as required.

Chaperone Policy

A chaperone must be present for any examination and it is expected that the scan assistant be present in the scan room at all times during a scan.

• Adequate information and explanation with a careful and sympathetic approach is essential. It is unwise to assume that the customer understands why certain examinations are being conducted (for example a trans-vaginal scan) or why it is needed. If you feel the customer doesn’t understand the sonographer and chaperone should explain in enough detail to satisfy the client’s concerns.
• Attention must be given to ensure adequate privacy is given to maintain dignity.
• A chaperone is present as a safeguard for all parties (the customer and the practitioners) and is a witness to continuing consent of the examination.

The role of the chaperone:

• To provide emotional comfort and reassurance.
• To provide dignity while undressing if required.
• To provide protection to sonographer and client against any unfounded allegations of improper behaviour.
• To recognise unusual and unacceptable behaviour by any team member.

All scan assistants will have an understanding of their role as a chaperone and know the procedure for raising any concerns.

• A scan assistant will understand the term chaperone.
• Understand what happens as part of a firstScan appointment.
• Understand why chaperones need to be present.
• Understand the rights of the customer.
• Know their role and responsibility as a chaperone
• Know the policy and mechanism for raising concerns.

COSHH

The Control Of Substances Hazardous to Health. COSHH is the law that requires clinics to control substances that are hazardous to health. We can prevent or reduce exposure to hazardous substances by:

• finding out what the health hazards are;
• deciding how to prevent harm to health (risk assessment);
• providing control measures to reduce harm to health;
• making sure they are used ;
• keeping all control measures in good working order;
• providing information, instruction and training for team members and others;
• providing monitoring and health surveillance in appropriate cases;
• planning for emergencies.

In a firstScan clinic at Window to the Womb the following guidelines apply:

• Tristel Duo (the trans-vaginal probe cleaner) should only be used by the sonographer and only whilst wearing gloves. The bottle in use should be stored on a high shelf in the scan room and all other stocks in a locked COSHH cupboard.
• Novotron Floor Cleaner should only be used in the dilution defined on the bottle. Whilst in use and during the drying period the area should have good ventilation. All stocks of Novotron should be stored in a locked COSHH cupboard.