Archived: Brookhouse Medical Centre

Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Brookhouse Medical Centre on 5 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. We saw that learning from significant events was communicated with staff effectively and staff were aware of any changes implemented as a result in order to minimise the risk of the event being repeated.
• 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 had rated the practice lower than others for many aspects of care. However, the survey period related to a period of transition for the practice, with a new provider taking over. Patient feedback we received as part of the inspection process indicated patients were treated with compassion, dignity and respect and were involved in their care and decisions about their treatment.
• Information about services and how to complain was available. Improvements were made to the quality of care as a result of complaints and concerns.
• While some patients expressed concerns regarding appointment access, we saw that the practice was taking action to address these concerns and there was improved 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 very 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.

The areas where the provider should make improvement are:

• Work to validate the carers list should be completed and alerts on the electronic records used to facilitate and maximise access to appropriate support services.

• Since funding has been secured, the planned work to replace carpets in clinical rooms should be completed at the earliest opportunity.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice