29 August 2017
During a routine inspection
Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice
We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Frodsham Princeway on 29 August 2017.
Overall the practice is rated as good.
Our key findings across all the areas we inspected were as follows:
- There were systems in place to reduce risks to patient safety, for example, there were systems to protect patients from the risks associated with insufficient staffing levels and to prevent the spread of infection. Improvements were needed to the staff recruitment systems.
- Staff understood and fulfilled their responsibilities to raise concerns and report incidents and near misses. Staff were aware of procedures for safeguarding patients from the risk of abuse.
- Patients’ needs were assessed and care was planned and delivered following best practice guidance.
- Staff had access to training and development opportunities and they told us that they felt well supported.
- Patients said they were treated with compassion, dignity and respect. We saw staff treated patients with kindness and respect.
- Services were planned and delivered to take into account the needs of different patient groups.
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Access to the service was monitored to ensure it met the needs of patients.
- There was a system in place to manage complaints.
- There were systems in place to monitor and improve quality and identify risk.
The areas where the provider must make improvements are:
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Ensure recruitment procedures are established and operated effectively to ensure only fit and proper persons are employed.
The areas where the provider should make improvements are:
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Cleaning protocols should be implemented to provide guidance for staff on the arrangements for maintaining the cleanliness of clinical areas and equipment.
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The system for ensuring medication is reviewed when patients do not attend for an appointment should be improved.
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A copy of the report to confirm the electrical wiring at the branch practice is satisfactory should be forwarded to CQC.
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Weekly in-house checks of the fire alarm and monthly checks of the emergency lighting should be carried out and documented.
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Introduce a system to ensure that any locums employed via an agency have received all the necessary pre-employment checks.
- The salaried GPs should have an in-house appraisal in addition to the external appraisal process.
- Put in place a more structured approach to the investigation of complaints to ensure that a clear and accurate record is maintained.
Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP)
Chief Inspector of General Practice