We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Liscard group practice – Staples B on 8 January 2019 as part of our inspection programme.

We based our judgement of the quality of care at this service on a combination of:

• what we found when we inspected
• information from our ongoing monitoring of data about services and
• information from the provider, patients, the public and other organisations.

We have rated this practice as good overall and good for all population groups.

We found that:

• The practice provided care in a way that kept patients safe and protected them from avoidable harm. However, some areas could be improved on such as increasing the frequency of fire drills and infection control audits.
• There was equipment and medicines for use in emergencies and these were checked, however the checks weren’t fully documented.
• Blank prescriptions were logged in and out for use at the practice, however they were left in printers overnight and in unused rooms.
• Patients received effective care and treatment that met their needs. We saw that clinicians treated and cared for patients in line with current best practice guidelines and legislation, however there was no formal system of implementing these guidelines.
• Staff dealt with patients with kindness and respect and involved them in decisions about their care.
• The practice organised and delivered services to meet patients’ needs. Patients could access care and treatment in a timely way.
• The way the practice was led and managed promoted the delivery of high-quality, person-centre care. There was evidence of clinical and internal audits being undertaken which demonstrated outcome improvements, however there was no formal audit programme based on national, local and service priorities.

Whilst we found no breaches of regulations, the provider should:

• Review the frequency of fire evacuation drills to include 6 monthly drills.
• Review the infection control audit frequency and ensure actions needed are completed.
• Review the system for checking emergency equipment to ensure all checks are fully documented.
• Review the security of printer prescription pads in the practice to ensure they are safe at all times.
• Review the system for implementation of National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.
• Implement an audit programme/plan that is based on national, local and practice priorities.

Details of our findings and the evidence supporting our ratings are set out in the evidence tables.

Professor Steve Field CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP
Chief Inspector of General Practice

Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

This is the report of findings from our inspection of Liscard Group Practice – Staples B. The practice is registered with the Care Quality Commission to provide primary care services.

We undertook a planned, comprehensive inspection on 26 January 2015 at the practice location in Wallasey, Merseyside. We spoke with patients, relatives, staff and the practice management team including clinical staff.

The practice was rated overall as good.

Our key findings were as follows:

• Patients spoke well of the practice. They said they were treated with compassion, dignity and respect. Information was provided in ways useful to them to help them understand the treatment choices and the care available.

• Patient’s needs were assessed and care was planned and delivered in line with current legislation and best practice guidelines.

• The practice provided care to its population that was responsive to their health needs. Patients were listened to and feedback was acted upon.

• The practice had been effective over many years with smoking cessation initiatives which had reduced smoking related illness in the patient population.

• The practice offered a range of services on site and in co-operation with others in order to provide safe, effective and responsive services to the local community.

• The practice was responsive in developing treatments; medical input into intermediate care and in support of patients with dementia.

• The practice had a good track record for maintaining adult and child safeguarding.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice