Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Priory surgery on 25 July 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.
• Risks to patients were assessed and well managed. Although, they had not ensured that there was a failsafe system to monitor all cervical screening results were received back in the practice. However, the practice implemented a change in process the day of inspection.
• The practice had responded to their vulnerable population group and had worked effectively to ensure that their needs were fully met. All staff within the practice showed that they recognised the signs when further support may be needed.
• 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 did not find it easy to make an appointment; the practice had recognised and put measures in place to respond to this.
• 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 improvements are:

• Ensure the system in place to promote the benefits of cervical screening is reviewed to increase uptake.
• Ensure the practice continues to engage with patients whilst reviewing the outcomes of the national GP patient survey to determine appropriate action with a view to improving the patient experience.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice