Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Kennet Surgery on 3 March 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.
• 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.
• Information about services and how to complain was available and easy to understand. It was also available in languages other than English.
• 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.

The areas where the provider should make improvement are:

• To reflect upon the national patient survey feedback relating to explaining tests and treatments and involving patients in decisions about their care. The practice results were lower than average from patients who answered these questions.

• To communicate the changes made in the appointment system to ensure patients are aware of the range of appointments available.

• Ensure patients who carry out caring responsibilities are registered as carers.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice