Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at The Derry Downs Surgery on 5 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 felt they were treated with compassion, dignity and respect and that they were involved in their care and decisions about their treatment. However, satisfaction rates regarding telephone access; waiting times during appointments and some aspects of consultations with the practice nurse were lower than the local and national average.The practice were aware of this and had taken action to address this.
• Information about services and how to complain was available. Improvements were made to the quality of care as a result of complaints, concerns and suggestions.
• Patients we spoke with said they did not always find it easy to contact the surgery by telephone but were able to make an appointment with a named GP when required 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 practice organised monthly Healthy Walks for patients. These were open to all patients and were attended by the lead GP and Practice Manager.
• The provider was aware of the requirements of the duty of candour. Examples we reviewed showed the practice complied with these requirements.

The areas where the provider should make improvements are:

• The provider should continue to monitor and work towards improving patient satisfaction regarding telephone access; waiting times during appointments and some aspects of consultations with the practice nurse.

Professor Steve Field CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP 

Chief Inspector of General Practice