Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Macclesfield District General Hospital on 26 and 27 February 2016. We also inspected Leighton Hospital and Northwich Victoria Infirmary sites. Overall the service 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 knew how to and understood the need to raise concerns and report incidents.
• Risks to patients were assessed and 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.
• Complaints were investigated and patients responded to with an apology and explanation of action taken.
• Patients said they found it easy to make an appointment and they were offered an appointment at a convenient location..
• The locations had excellent facilities and was well equipped to treat patients and meet their needs.
• Vehicles used for home visits were clean, well maintained and equipped.
• There was a clear leadership structure in place and most staff felt supported by the senior management team.
• The provider proactively sought feedback from staff and patients, which it acted on.

• There were innovative approaches to providing integrated person-centred care. Special notes were used to record relevant information about patients including nearing end of life and those with complex health needs..

• There were safeguarding systems in place for both children and adults at risk of harm or abuse.
• There was clinical supervision and appraisal processes in place for all clinical roles including regular audit of individual’s clinical practice and reflective feedback.
• The provider was aware of and complied with the requirements of the Duty of Candour.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice