Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Temple Sowerby Medical Practice on 26 November 2015. 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.
• Staff assessed patients’ needs and delivered care in line with current evidence based guidance. Staff had 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.
• Patients said they found it easy to make an appointment with a named GP and that 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.

We saw one area of outstanding practice:

• The practice had worked with local clergy to establish a non-denominational, confidential listening ear service for patients experiencing social isolation, loneliness and bereavement

However, there were also areas where the provider should make improvements:

• The practice should implement a system of staff appraisals as soon as possible to ensure staff are provided with a formal opportunity to discuss training, learning and development requirements

• Review the process currently in place to identify topics for clinical audit and ensure these are fully comprehensive and carried out on a regular basis
• Consider installing a hearing loop in the practice
• Update the practice recruitment policy to reflect the need to see proof of qualifications (if appropriate) and photographic ID
• Strengthen the system currently in place for infection control audits to ensure they include details of action to be taken and a review of previous action points
• Consider replacing the carpet in consultation rooms with easy to clean flooring to reduce the risk of spread of infection

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice