Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Dr Marilyn Hunt, also referred to as Highwood Surgery on 6 January 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 identified, assessed and well managed. For example undertaking infection prevention control audits and legionella assessments.
• Staff assessed patients’ needs and delivered care in line with current evidence based guidance. Staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to deliver effective care and treatment.
• Patients said they were treated with compassion, dignity and respect and they were involved in their care and decisions about their treatment.
• Information about services and 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.
• The practice had clear objectives to deliver high quality care. These were shared and demonstrated by all members of staff in their interactions with patients and one another.
• 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 and complied with the requirements of the Duty of Candour.

The areas where the provider should make improvement are:

• Ensure discussions and decisions are consistently recorded and reviewed to ensure where remedial actions are taken these are evidenced appropriate.
• Ensure access to cleaning records.

Professor Steve Field

CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP

Chief Inspector of General Practice