Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Barnby Gate Surgery on 22 October 2015. Overall the practice is rated as good.

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

• The practice had robust arrangements to deal with information about safety. Staff were aware of responsibility to report incidents and concerns and knew how to do this. Information relating to safety was documented, monitored and reviewed; however details of investigations related to significant events needed to be more thorough.
• Risks to patients were assessed and well managed with the exception of those relating to recruitment checks.
• The practice demonstrated the use of best practice guidance to assess patients’ needs and plan their care. Staff had received relevant role specific training and further training needs were identified for staff through appraisals although we found that one member of staff had not undergone an appraisal.

• Patients told us staff treated them with compassion, dignity and respect and involved them in decisions about their care.
• Information about how to complain was available and easy to understand.
• Patients said they found it easy to make an appointment with a named GP and that there was continuity of care, with urgent appointments available the same day.

• 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.

We saw one area of outstanding practice:

• The practice worked to support their practice population and their wider community. For example the practice undertook collections for their local food bank. In addition to this, the practice worked with their patient participation group to undertake initiatives which promoted the wellbeing of their patients. The PPG had a successful allotment project and fresh produce from the allotment was offered to patients for free or in exchange for a small donation.

The areas where the provider should make improvement are:

• The practice should ensure that records of investigations of all significant events and incidents are thorough and reflect discussions and learning outcomes

• The practice should ensure all staff receive annual appraisals

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice