Archived: St Mary Cray Practice

Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at St Mary Cray Practice on 19 July 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.
• Data from the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) showed that patient outcomes for most indicators were comparable to the local and national averages.
• Uptake rates for cervical, bowel and breast cancer screening were below the local and national average. The practice were aware of this and were actively encouraging uptake of screening services.
• Results from the national GP patient survey showed patients were treated with compassion, dignity and respect. Satisfaction rates regarding some aspects of consultations with GPs were lower than the local and national average. However, feedback from patients we interviewed was positive.
• Information about services and how to complain was available to patients. Improvements were made to the quality of care as a result of complaints, concerns and suggestions.
• Patients we spoke with said they were always able 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 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 the requirements of the duty of candour. Documentation 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 consultations with the GP.
• The provider should continue to work towards increasing the immunisation rates for all standard childhood immunisations.
• The provider should continue to actively encourage patients to participate in screening programmes for cervical, bowel and breast cancer.

Professor Steve Field CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP

Chief Inspector of General Practice