23.08.16
Marie Stopes services suspended after CQC inspection finds safety concerns
Hundreds of women can no longer access abortions after a CQC inspection found safety concerns at Marie Stopes clinics.
Around 250 women a week will be affected by the charity’s decision to voluntarily suspend some services following CQC inspections of its services and corporate headquarters in the UK.
Until further notice, it will no longer offer abortions for under-18s and vulnerable women and abortions under general anaesthetic or conscious sedation. It has also suspended all surgical terminations at its Norwich centre.
Professor Edward Baker, deputy chief inspector of hospitals at the CQC, said: “Given the nature of the concerns we identified on our inspections, it is right that Marie Stopes International has suspended a number of its services.
“At all times, our priority is to ensure that patients get safe, high-quality and compassionate care. We believe that the action taken is appropriate to address our concerns.
“We will continue to monitor these services very closely and we will not hesitate to take further action, if needed.
“We will report fully and publicly on our inspection findings as soon as our regulatory process has concluded and we are able to do so.”
Simon Cooke, chief executive of Marie Stopes International, said the charity was “working urgently” with the CQC to address the concerns, which related to “training and governance procedures”.
He stressed that other Marie Stopes services are unaffected.
NHS England said that it will provide contingency services for the affected patients, including patients who already had procedures booked.
The government has also said that it will not give further Marie Stopes clinics approval to carry out abortions until the CQC’s concerns are addressed.
Professor Sir Bruce Keogh, NHS England’s national medical director, said: “This will be an anxious time for those women affected and we are taking immediate action to ensure everybody involved has access to the appropriate confidential advice and services.”
Diane Abbott MP, the shadow health secretary, said: “We cannot downplay the psychological and physical harm that may result from cancelled or delayed procedures.
“I am very concerned as to how the transfer of services will be managed. The government must urgently provide assurances that timely treatment will be delivered by appropriate service providers.
“Women have a fundamental right to choose and currently there are far too many disturbing trends that would appear to whittle away at these rights.”
NHS England has established a confidential helpline for Marie Stopes patients to contact with questions and concerns. The number is 0300 123 1041 (9am to 5pm at the weekends and 9am to 8pm during the week). In Ireland the number to call is 1800 882 677.
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