Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We undertook a comprehensive inspection of Wembury Surgery in the village of Wembury on 28 October 2014. Wembury surgery at 51 Hawthorn Drive, Wembury Devon PL9 0BE provides primary medical services to people living in Wembury and surrounding villages. The practice provides services to a diverse population and age group.

Our key findings were as follows:

The Wembury Surgery operated a weekday service for over 2,220 patients in the Wembury area. The practice was responsible for providing primary care, which included access to the GP, minor surgery, ante and post natal care as well as other clinical services. At the time of our inspection there was one male GP, a nurse practitioner, a practice nurse, healthcare assistant a practice manager, and additional administrative and reception staff.

Patients who use the practice have access to community staff including district nurses, health visitors, physiotherapists, counsellors, and midwives.

Patients we spoke to and the comment cards we looked at confirmed that people were happy with the service and the professionalism of the GPs and nurses. The practice was clean and there were effective infection control procedures in place.

We found that staff were well supported and the practice was well led with a clear vision and objectives. Staff had a sound knowledge of safeguarding procedures for children and vulnerable adults.

Care and treatment was being delivered in line with current published best practice. Patients’ needs were consistently met in a timely manner.

All the patients we spoke to during our inspection were very complimentary about the service and the manner in which they were cared for.

There was an open culture within the organisation and a clear complaints policy.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice