Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Aspley Medical Centre on 6 January 2016. Overall the practice is rated as good.

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

• Patients said they found it easy to make an appointment and there was continuity of care. The GP surgeries were flexible and ensured that patients who requested to be seen on the same day were.

• The practice had good facilities including disabled access. There was a lift for those who were not able to manage the stairs.

• Information about services and how to complain was available. The practice sought patient views about improvements that could be made to the service, including having a patient participation group (PPG).

• The practice proactively sought to educate their patients to manage their medical conditions and improve their lifestyles by having additional in house services available.These included visiting healthcare professionals such as a physiotherapist and community paediatrician.

• There were systems in place to reduce risks to patient safety for example, infection control procedures.

• Staff identified a clear leadership structure, good team work, and felt supported by management.

• Patients’ needs were assessed and care was planned and delivered following best practice guidance. Staff had received training appropriate to their roles.

The areas where the provider should make improvement are:

• Ensure systems are in place to proactively identify and support carers.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice