This practice is rated as good overall. This was the first inspection at this practice.

The key questions are rated as:

Are services safe? – Good

Are services effective? – Good

Are services caring? – Good

Are services responsive? – Good

Are services well-led? – Good

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Melrose Surgery on 9 April 2018 as part of our planned inspection programme.

At this inspection we found:

• When incidents happened, the practice learned from them and improved their processes.

• Safety systems were operated effectively; including health and safety and emergency risk management.

• Staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles.

• Performance data, particularly for people with long-term conditions were better than local and national averages.

• There were systems to review the effectiveness of the care and evidence that the practice was auditing medicines and antimicrobial use.

• Staff involved patients in care decisions and treated patients with compassion, kindness, dignity and respect.

• Patients found the appointment system easy to use and reported that they were able to access care when they needed it. The practice offered a flexible range of appointments and services.

• There were proactive governance processes and systems for business planning, risk management, performance and quality improvement.

• Patient feedback was acted on where improvements were identified.

We saw one element of outstanding practice:

• Diabetic patients received annual Doppler ultrasound assessments within the practice by staff trained to do so. A Doppler ultrasound assessment provides clinicians with imaging of foot arteries and this assessment means patients can be informed of any potential complications regarding their foot health earlier than they may otherwise be.

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