Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Causeway Green Surgery on 27 September 2017. 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 a system in place for reporting and recording significant events.
• The practice had clearly defined and embedded systems to minimise risks to patient safety.

• Staff were aware of current evidence based guidance. Staff had been trained to provide them with the skills and knowledge to deliver effective care and treatment.
• Results from the national GP patient survey was in line with local and national averages and showed patients were treated with compassion, dignity and respect and were involved in their care and decisions about their treatment. The practice was aware of lower scores and was exploring ways to improve.
• Information about services and how to complain was available. Improvements were made to the quality of care as a result of complaints and concerns.
• Patients we spoke with 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 had adjusted its premises as far as practicable to enable access to those who had difficulties with their mobility.
• 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 the requirements of the duty of candour. Examples we reviewed showed the practice complied with these requirements.

The areas where the provider should make improvement are:

• Consider how patients with hearing impairments could be better supported.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice