Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Dr Rozewicz and Partners (also known as Simpson House Medical Centre) on 21 July 2016. Overall the practice is rated as good.

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

• The governance framework supported the delivery of the strategy and good quality care, although arrangements to monitor and improve quality of services needed to be strengthened in areas.

• Although there were translation services provided, there were no notices displayed in the practice informing patients this service was available. This was quickly addressed.

• The arrangements for managing medicines, including emergency medicines and vaccines, in the practice kept patients safe. Prescription pads had not been stored securely but this was quickly addressed.

• Patients said they were treated with compassion, dignity and respect, but some said they were not always able to get appointments when they needed them.

• There was an open and transparent approach to safety and an effective system in place for reporting and recording significant events.

• There were effective systems in place to safeguard vulnerable adults and children. Two of the management staff had received level 4 child safeguarding training.

• The practice had a system in place to identify carers. There was effective joint working with the patient participation group (PPG) and an external organisation to undertake carers' events such as hosting a monthly coffee morning.

• Information about services and how to complain was available and easy to understand. Improvements were made to the quality of care as a result of complaints and concerns.

• The practice’s Simpson Spectator quarterly newsletter, developed by the PPG together with the practice, was available in easy read format.

• There was a staff recognition programme in place which allowed practice staff and patients to nominate and recognise an individual staff member for their achievements.

• The provider was aware of and complied with the requirements of the duty of candour.

In addition, the provider should:

• Monitor the new prescriptions security policy to ensure all staff are aware of it, and that it is being adhered to.

• Monitor and improve patient satisfaction regarding access to appointments and contacting the practice by telephone.

• Monitor and improve performance, specifically patient outcomes in relation to the Quality and Outcomes Framework and cervical screening.

Professor Steve Field CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP

Chief Inspector of General Practice