Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Dr Haroon Siddique on 9 March 2016. Overall the practice is rated as good.

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

• The practice referred to and used published safety information to monitor and improve safety outcomes for patients. Staff reported concerns about patient safety and when things went wrong these were fully investigated. Learning from safety incidents was shared with staff to minimise recurrences.
• All equipment was routinely checked, serviced and calibrated in line with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Risks to patients and staff were assessed and managed. There were risk assessments in place for areas including fire safety, health and safety, premises and equipment. There was information available in relation to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) such as cleaning materials.
• There was a business continuity plan in place to deal with any untoward incidents which may disrupt the running of the practice. However this was not practice specific and did not describe roles and responsibilities and the actions they should take in event of disruption to the services.
• Appropriate checks including employment references and DBS checks were made when new staff were employed to work at the practice.
• Staff received training, supervisions and were supported to carry out their roles and responsibilities.
• There were arrangements in place for managing medicines.
• Emergency equipment and medicines were available. However there were no paediatric pads for use of the defibrillator on children.

• The practice used published guidelines, reviews and audits to monitor how patients’ needs were assessed and the delivery of care and treatment.

• Clinical audits were carried out. However these were not complete and they did not demonstrate improvements in outcomes for patients.

• Patients consent to care and treatment was sought in line with current legislation and guidance.

• Patients said they were treated with respect and care. They said that all staff were helpful and caring.
• Information about how to complain / escalate concerns should patients remain dissatisfied was available. Complaints were investigated and responded to appropriately and apologies given to patients when things went wrong or they experienced poor care or services.
• Patients said they found it easy to make an appointment with their GP and that there was continuity of care, with urgent appointments available the same day.
• The practice had facilities and equipment to treat patients and meet their needs.
• The premises were accessible to patients with disabilities and had step free access, disabled access toilet facilities and a hearing loop.
• Translation services were available as required.
• 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.

However there were areas of practice where the provider needs to make improvements.

The practice SHOULD

• Provide paediatric pads for the use of the defibrillator in children up to 8 years.

• Review and amend the business continuity plan so that it clearly describes roles, responsibilities when dealing with incidents which may disrupt the running of the practice.

• Provide infection control training for non-clinical staff

• Make improvements to the arrangements for conducting clinical audits as a means of improving outcomes for patient treatment.

• Review policies and procedures so that they are practice specific.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice