Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Fountain Medical Centre on 11 November 2015. Overall the practice is rated as good.

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

• The practice had arrangements in place to deal with information about safety. Staff were aware of their responsibility to report incidents and concerns and knew how to do this. Information relating to safety was documented, monitored and reviewed.
• Risks to patients and staff were assessed and well managed
• Staff used best practice guidance to assess patients’ needs and plan their care.
• The practice ensured all staff had received relevant role specific training and further training needs were identified for staff through appraisal
• Patients told us that staff treated them with compassion, dignity and respect and involved them in decisions about their care
• Information about services and how to complain was available and easy to understand.
• Patients said they found it easy to make an appointment and that there was continuity of care, with urgent appointments available the same day.
• The practice had good facilities and was generally 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.
• There were effective systems of governance in place and evidence of strategic planning for the future.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice