Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Abbotswood Medical Centre on 19 October 2016. Overall the practice is rated as good.

Our key findings across all the areas we inspected were as follows:

• There was an open and transparent approach to safety and an effective system in place for reporting and recording significant events.
• Risks to patients were assessed and well managed.
• Staff were aware of their responsibilities in helping to safeguard and protect patients.

• Staff assessed patients’ needs and delivered care in line with current evidence based guidance. Staff had been trained to provide them with the skills, knowledge and experience to deliver effective care and treatment.
• The practice team worked well with multidisciplinary teams, including community and social services to plan and implement care for patients.
• The practice held regular staff and clinical meetings where learning was shared from significant events and complaints.
• Patients said they were treated with compassion, dignity and respect and they were involved in their care and decisions about their treatment.
• The practice’s computer system alerted GPs if a patient was also a carer. The practice had identified 64 patients as carers (approximately 1.5% of the practice list).
• Patients said they found it easy to make an appointment with a named GP and there was continuity of care, with urgent appointments available the same day.
• The practice offered extended hours appointments, including weekend appointments through the Watford Care Alliance.
• The practice had good facilities and was well equipped to treat patients and meet their needs.
• There was a clear leadership structure and staff felt supported by management. The practice proactively sought feedback from staff and patients, which it acted on.

The provider was aware of and complied with the requirements of the duty of candour. 

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice