Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Fernclough Surgery on 8 May 2017. Overall the practice is rated as good.

Our key findings from the inspection were as follows:

• There was an open and transparent approach to safety and a system in place for reporting and recording significant events with learning outcomes documented.
• The practice had a robust safeguarding process. Staff provided various scenarios where they had supported patients and their families.
• Staff were aware of current evidence based guidance. Staff had been trained to provide them with the skills and knowledge to deliver effective care and treatment. Staff told us morale was good.
• Results from the national GP patient survey showed patients were treated with compassion, dignity and respect and were involved in their care and decisions about their treatment.
• Information about services and how to complain were available. Improvements were made to the quality of care as a result of complaints and concerns. However, verbal complaints were not recorded.
• 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 the requirements of the duty of candour. Examples we reviewed showed the practice complied with these requirements.

The areas where the provider should make improvement are:

• The provider should collate verbal complaints and responses.
• The provider should put a process in place, to review non collected repeat prescriptions.
• The provider should record actions taken from patient/medical alert.
• The provider should review and increase the carers numbers in the practice.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice