Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Dr Solway and Dr Whale Practice on 14 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 and an effective system 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.
• Urgent appointments with a GP were available on the same day.
• Information about services and how to complain was available and easy to understand.
• 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 practice was aware of and complied with the requirements of the Duty of Candour.

The areas where the provider should make improvements are;

• Ensure that all of the appropriate recruitment checks are carried out prior to staff employment.
• Ensure the practice’s business continuity plan for major incidents includes emergency contact numbers for staff and utility companies.
• Ensure the practice’s policies are reviewed regularly.
• Record incidences of children who fail to attend hospital appointments on their clinical system.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice