Table of Contents
Introduction
Recent media coverage has highlighted concerns about the practices of some private ultrasound providers, especially following the Society of Radiographers’ (SoR) statement on unregulated and unregistered sonographers. These reports have raised understandable questions for patients about how to choose a safe, reputable clinic.
At The Scan Clinic, we welcome scrutiny. It gives us the opportunity to reaffirm what has always guided our service: patient safety, clinical excellence and transparent, responsible care.
A Trusted, CQC-Registered Clinic With Over a Decade of Safe Practice
The Scan Clinic has been operating since 2012 as an independent, CQC-registered and inspected ultrasound clinic in London. Over the last 12+ years, we have become known for delivering high-quality diagnostic and pregnancy ultrasound services with a strong emphasis on safety, governance and patient experience.
We are proud to be:
- WhatClinic Award Winner
- LUX “Clinic of the Year” Winner
- Redbridge Health & Wellness Champion Finalist 2025 (result pending)
These recognitions reflect our commitment to safe practice, exceptional care and a patient-first culture.
Our Clinical Standards: How We Protect Patients
1. Highly Qualified and Registered Clinical Staff
All ultrasound scans at The Scan Clinic are performed by experienced, professionally registered clinicians with backgrounds in both the NHS and private sector. Our team includes staff registered with:
- HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council)
- SoR (Society of Radiographers)
- GMC (General Medical Council)
Their training, ongoing CPD and experience ensure that patients receive accurate, clinically sound assessments.
2. Evidence-Based Practice and Clear Clinical Protocols
Our clinical pathways follow recognised good-practice standards, including:
- Evidence-based scanning protocols
- Clear procedures for identifying and escalating clinical concerns
- Timely onward referral to NHS or specialist services when required
- Thorough documentation and outcome-focused review processes
Patients can trust that their scans are designed not just to reassure, but to safeguard their health.
3. Robust Governance and Quality Assurance
We maintain strong internal governance structures, including:
- Regular clinical audits
- Incident management and learning review pathways
- Maintenance, servicing and QA checks for all ultrasound equipment
- Clear accountability across the service
During our most recent CQC inspection (September 2025), initial inspector feedback highlighted:
- Patients were positive about staff professionalism and care
- Treatment was evidence-based and outcomes were monitored
- Strong systems of accountability and governance
4. A Patient-First Philosophy
Patients consistently tell us that what makes The Scan Clinic different is the time we take to explain results clearly, the calm environment, and our personalised approach.
Our 2025 patient satisfaction rate, based on Friends & Family feedback forms, is:
⭐ 92% Overall Satisfaction
We do our very best and aim to treat every patient as an individual not just another number
Addressing the SoR and Media Concerns Directly
The recent SoR statement and media coverage in BBC, Guardian, and Metro to name a few identified a problem in the wider industry: variability in the standards of some private clinics, particularly non-diagnostic keepsake scan providers. These concerns do not reflect the practices of all providers, but they highlight the need for clear standards and informed choice.
At The Scan Clinic, we strongly support:
- Improving awareness of what patients should look for in a provider
- Encouraging the use of professionally trained, registered staff
- Greater transparency in training, referral pathways and governance
- Regulation that uplifts the entire sector and protects patients
How to Choose a Safe Ultrasound Provider – Quick Patient Checklist
Before booking with any private ultrasound clinic, patients should ask:
- Is the clinic CQC registered and inspected?
- Are scans performed by HCPC/SOR-registered professionals?
- What happens if the scan identifies a potential concern?
- Are the clinic’s reviews, awards, and credentials legitimate and recent?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are your sonographers fully qualified?
Yes. All clinical staff are trained, experienced and professionally registered (HCPC / SoR) with backgrounds in both NHS and private healthcare.
Are you regulated?
Yes. We are fully CQC registered and inspected, which means our quality, safety, governance and staff competency are independently reviewed.
What is the purpose of your pregnancy scans?
On every pregnancy scan page, one of the first things you can see is a clear list of what the scan will check and its objective helping demistify and concerns and help youmake informed decisions.
What happens if a problem is detected?
We have clear escalation pathways and will arrange timely referral to the appropriate NHS or specialist service.
How safe is your service?
We follow strict protocols, maintain strong clinical governance systems, and perform regular audits and equipment checks to ensure consistently high standards of care.
