Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection of Lyndhurst Surgery on 21 September 2016. Overall the practice is rated as Good.

Please note that when referring to information throughout this report, for example any reference to the Quality and Outcomes Framework data, this relates to the most recent information available to the CQC at that time.

Our key findings 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 been trained to provide them with 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. Improvements were made to the quality of care as a result of complaints and concerns.
• Patients said they found it easy to make an appointment with a named GP and there was continuity of care, with urgent appointments 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.

There were areas of practice where the provider needs to make improvements.

The provider should:

• Review emergency equipment to ensure the most effective equipment is available for children requiring oxygen in emergency situations.
• Review arrangements for effective communication with those patients who had hearing loss and who used a hearing aid.
• Review information provided following complaints in regard of escalating complaints if complainants are dissatisfied with the practices response.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice