Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at York House Medical Centre on 11 November 2015. Overall the practice is rated as good.

Our key findings were as follows:

• Staff understood and fulfilled their responsibilities to raise concerns and to report incidents and near misses.

• Information about safety was recorded, monitored, appropriately reviewed and addressed. Quality and risk reports were compiled monthly by the practice manager to identify and remedy any issues.

• Patients’ needs were assessed and care was planned and delivered following best practice guidance. The GPs were leads in different areas and had regular clinical leads meetings to discuss concerns and disseminate learning.

• One of the challenges faced by the practice was the age of the building. The practice had put in a bid for a new building under the primary care infrastructure fund. This was in early stages at the time of the inspection.

• There was a clear leadership structure and staff felt supported by management.

• Risks to patients were assessed and well managed.

• Patients described staff as professional, efficient and helpful.

• The practice had a Carer Support Adviser offering support to patients who were carers. Patients could book an appointment with them via the administration team.Appointments were offered at the surgery and at home.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice