Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Infirmary Drive Medical Group on 4 February 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.
• Information about services and how to complain was available and easy to understand.
• The practice regularly reviewed demand for appointments. Urgent appointments were available the same day
• 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 and complied with the requirements of the Duty of Candour.

However, there were some areas where the provider needs to make improvements. The provider should:

• Review and strengthen the process currently in place for checking the expiry dates of medicines held in GP bags
• Review and strengthen the stock control process in the dispensary
• Review and strengthen the arrangements currently in place for dealing with patient safety alerts
• Formalise the arrangements currently in place for carrying out infection control audits and continue with plans to ensure all staff receive infection control training as soon as possible

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice