Two years ago, campaigners won a long fight to ban anti-abortion protests from a clinic in south Manchester - allowing women their right to access safe and non-judgemental treatment.
The MSI Reproductive Choices centre in Fallowfield, previously known as Marie Stopes, has barely seen a 'pro-life' demonstrator since the council agreed to introduce a public space protection order on Wynnstay Grove and the area surrounding the clinic.
The buffer zone, which has been described as making 'the world of difference,' has allowed staff to continue providing caring and compassionate services, which include early medical abortion, surgical abortion, counselling, contraception, vasectomy and STI screening and treatment - without judgement or ridicule.
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And now, the centre has become the first abortion clinic in the country to be rated outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) - due to the "compassion" and "kindness" shown by staff.
The clinic was praised for short waiting times during a significant increase in demand for abortion services. Patients are often given an appointment within a seven-day window, inspectors found.
A safeguarding culture which 'exceeded the medical remit of the provider and demonstrates a commitment to supporting people with diverse needs' was also highlighted.
Staff were also commended for the 'exceptional level or service for vulnerable patients, particularly to protect those at risk of trafficking, sexual exploitation and violence.'
Chris Bain and Sarah Strutz are the registered managers for the Manchester clinic and say the QCQ report will provide extra reassurance to clients at a time when abortion rights on the other side of the Atlantic are being repealed.
"Everyone wants to do the best they can for the clients but to actually have recognition is just massive," said Sarah. "I don't think anyone comes into nursing to be praised for what they do, but they are so happy with this rating.
"It's a rubber stamp of assurance that if they enter our service they are going to be well looked after and treated with care, respect and dignity," added Chris.
Chris said that in the aftermath of Roe Vs Wade being overturned in the United States, the centre received an influx of calls from women worried about what the move would mean for their rights to abortion.
"One thing that's key is for us to shout about how it is legal and a regulated activity here," he said. "We did notice after the decision in America an influx of clients worried the same was going to happen in England.
"Receiving this rating is really good to reinforce the message that in the UK it's legal and you are still able to access services. It proves the same isn't going to happen in England."
"It's imperative that the service is available to make sure people are safe and can have the treatments they want to have," added Sarah. "We can do it in this country and we can do it safely."
The Manchester centre has appointed their own 'safeguarding lead, who has been able to help clients, particularly victims of domestic violence,' with a single point of contact.
In 2020, Manchester council finally listened to calls from campaigners to introduce a buffer zone around the clinic, to prevent anti-abortion protesters harassing and intimating staff and clients.
Displaying graphic abortion-related images, carrying out ‘prayer vigils,’ intimidating staff members and clinic users or recording them without their consent all fall under behaviour now banned by the public space protection order (PSPO).
But with the PSPO up for renewal next year, Chris Bain is urging the local authority to extend the order and continue to protect the clinic when the time comes.
"Putting the PSPO in place was one of the greatest things we've ever been able to do," he said. "It's been amazing. Every so often there might be someone who walks down but because it's not legal they move on quickly.
"But we’ve had very very few and far between. It used to be we’d have protests every day so in terms of relief for staff and the clients using our service it’s been massive.
"The order only lasts three years and it is coming up for renewal so we’ve got to push to make sure it’s definitely renewed. I know for us it’s been fantastic and it’s made the world of difference, the main thing is making sure it continues."
Inspectors said that between April and June 2022, the clinic received 128 compliments thanking staff for making them feel safe, and for their caring and non-judgemental approach.
Richard Bentley, MSI Reproductive Choices’ UK Managing Director said: "This is the first time that the CQC has given an outstanding rating to an abortion service, and we are delighted that they have praised us across every category, from safety, effectiveness and care to responsiveness and leadership.
"We have come a long way over the past six years and this rating is testament to the commitment and passion of our Manchester team as well as the invaluable support of the CQC.
"We are particularly pleased that our team members have been singled out for their compassion, kindness and unwavering dedication, as well as the recognition of our strong safeguarding culture. The team are an inspiration and should be extremely proud of everything they have achieved.
"This is now the benchmark. All of MSI’s clinics are now rated good or outstanding and we will continue learning and striving to give the 70,000 people we treat every year the care they deserve."
Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council Cllr Luthfur Rahman said: "The Council can confirm a consultation will take place on whether to extend the current PSPO. The results of which will inform any further steps the Council will take."
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