Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Dr Reynolds & Partners Padgate Medical Centre on 8 June 2016. Overall the practice is rated as good.

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

• Staff understood and fulfilled their responsibilities to raise concerns and report incidents and near misses. Significant events had been investigated and action had been taken as a result of the learning from events.

• Systems were in place to deal with medical emergencies and all staff were trained in basic life support.

• There were systems in place to reduce risks to patient safety. For example, infection control practices were good and there were regular checks on the environment and on equipment used.

• Staff assessed patients’ needs and delivered care in line with current evidence based guidance.

• Feedback from patients about the care and treatment they received from clinicians was positive.

• Data showed that outcomes for patients at this practice were similar to outcomes for patients locally and nationally.

• Staff felt well supported and they were kept up to date with appropriate training. Staff we spoke with told us they had the skills, knowledge and experience to fulfil their roles and responsibilities.

• Patients said they were treated with dignity and respect and they were involved in decisions about their care and treatment.

• Patients said they found it easy to make an appointment and there was good continuity of care.

• The practice had good facilities, including disabled access. It was well equipped to treat patients and meet their needs.

• Information about services and how to complain was available. Complaints had been investigated and responded to in a timely manner and the practice made improvements to the service in response to complaints and other feedback.

• The practice had a clear vision to provide a safe and high quality service.

• There was a clear leadership and staff structure and staff understood their roles and responsibilities.

• The practice provided a range of enhanced services to meet the needs of the local population.

• The practice sought patient views about improvements that could be made to the service. This included the practice having and consulting with a patient participation group (PPG).

Areas where the provider should make improvements;

• Produce an action plan as to how outstanding recommendations from the most recent infection control audit will be addressed and how any risks associated with this will be mitigated in the meantime.

• Review and update the complaints information provided to patients.

• Improve checks on emergency medicines and medical equipment to ensure they include all items for use outside of the premises.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice

During this inspection we visited the Padgate Surgery. We spoke with the registered manager, a GP, practice manager, reception staff and a sample of patients on the day of our visit.

Patients spoken with were positive about the practice and commented that they were happy with the care they received. Comments received from patients included: “Like it”; “They are very good with the kids”; “Staff are friendly, I have never had a problem getting an appointment”; “Overall very good” and “Very caring service”.

The practice provided patients' with a range of health care information leaflets and information on the practice and the complaints procedure was on display in the waiting room.