Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Dr Robert Mitchell’s practice on 28 July 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 managed.

• Staff assessed patients’ needs and delivered care in line with current evidence based guidance. Staff had been trained to provide them with 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 see the GP as the surgery had an open access policy and there was continuity of care. Appointments could be made in an evening or for a Saturday for those unable to attend during normal surgery times.
• The practice had good facilities and was well equipped to treat patients and meet their needs.
• The practice had policies and procedures to govern activity.
• There was a clear leadership structure and staff felt supported by management.
• The provider was aware of and complied with the requirements of the duty of candour.

We saw an area of outstanding practice.

Decisions about end of life care were made in accordance with the person’s needs and wishes, and these were reviewed and revised regularly. If required the GP would visit dying patients at least once a day at their home. 

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice