Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on Thursday 14th 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 approach to safety and a 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 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.
• The practice had proactively sought feedback from patients and had an active Patient Participation Group (PPG).
• 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 premises were purpose built.
• 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 practice had a high level of achievement in the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) and for screening.

The areas where the provider should make improvement are:

• Improve the reporting of incidents to include minor incidents.
• Develop a schedule for cleaning and equipment in line with national guidance.
• Staff vaccination and immunity records were out of date, and need to be updated as soon as possible.
• The business continuity plan was kept on the premises and the practice manager confirmed he would arrange for copies to be kept off site.
• The practice should ensure that all staff are appropriately trained in respect of their duties under the Mental Capacity Act and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.
• Monitor the implementation of NICE guidance.
• Develop a system of continuous learning and improvement.

Professor Steve Field CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP

Chief Inspector of General Practice