Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Old Links Surgery on 21 April 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. However on the day of our inspection the practice did not demonstrate an effective system for ensuring fire safety. This was rectified within three working days.

• Systems were in place for reporting and recording significant events.

• Risks to patients were assessed and well managed.

• 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 the GP and that there was continuity of care, with appointments frequently available the same day.

• The practice had good facilities and was well equipped to treat patients and meet their needs. 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 improvements :

• Consider the development of “Easy to read” information for those who require it.

• Ensure all equipment & facilities are regularly maintained and tested

• Ensure the staff recruitment procedure is revised to include written confirmation of verbal references and forms of identification checks

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice