Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 7 March 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 assessed patients’ needs and delivered care in line with current evidence-based guidance.
• Data showed that the practice was performing consistently better than expected when compared with similar services.
• Feedback from patients about their care was consistently positive.
• Patients said they were treated with compassion, dignity and respect and they were involved in their care and decisions about their treatment.
• Patients said it was easy to make an appointment, with urgent appointments available the same day.
• The practice had good facilities and was well equipped to treat patients and meet their needs.
• The practice team had clearly-defined roles and staff felt supported by the Provider.
• The practice proactively sought feedback from staff and patients, which it acted on.
• The practice was aware of and complied with the requirements of the Duty of Candour.
• Staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to deliver effective care and treatment.
• There was an active patient participation group.

The practice should –

• Continue to review patients’ access to the service, particularly regarding practice opening hours.
• Continue with work to identify patients who are carers and update its records accordingly.

Professor Steve Field CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP 

Chief Inspector of General Practice