Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Stanley Medical Centre on 4 April 2017. 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 a system in place for reporting and recording significant events.
• The practice had clearly defined and embedded systems to minimise risks to patient safety.
• Staff were aware of current evidence based guidance. Staff had been trained to provide them with the skills and knowledge to deliver effective care and treatment.
• Results from the national GP patient survey showed patients were treated with compassion, dignity and respect and were involved in their care and decisions about their treatment.
• Information about services and how to complain was available. Improvements were made to the quality of care as a result of complaints and concerns.
• Patients we spoke with 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 leadership structure and staff said they felt supported by management. The practice proactively sought feedback from staff and patients, which it acted on.
• The provider was aware of the requirements of the duty of candour. Examples we reviewed showed the practice complied with these requirements.

There were areas where the provider should make improvement. The provider should:

• Monitor the new cleaning contract in place and ensure regular cleaning audits are undertaken.

• Ensure that procedures are followed monitored and reviewed for the management and maintenance of the premises.

• Review the staffing levels of reception staff across the week to ensure adequate arrangements are in place at all times.

• Review the management and leadership structure of the practice.

• Monitor the new system put into place to ensure all nurses working at the practice are covered with appropriate medical indemnity insurance.

• This should include a risk assessment and needs analysis as the basis for deciding sufficient management and leadership roles are in place at all times.

• Monitor the new system put into place to ensure all

• Ensure that appropriate action plans are drawn up and monitored when risks, such as a fire risks, are identified for the practice.

• Consider the inclusion of reception staff to regular practice meetings so that communications can improve.

• Review the arrangements and meetings held with the Patient Participation Group (PPG).

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice