Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Greensand Surgery Ampthill on 17 November 2015. 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 a system in place for reporting and recording significant events. However, records were not always kept up to date and completed.
• 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.
• Access to the service was monitored to ensure it met patients’ needs. 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.
• 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.

However there were areas where the provider should make improvements.

• Ensure that risk assessments of staff to determine their suitability for DBS checks are formalised and documented.
• Risk assess stocks of emergency medicines kept to ensure they are suitable and that up to date protocols for their use are maintained to enable the practice to respond appropriately to a medical emergency.

Professor Steve Field CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGPChief Inspector of General Practice