Archived: Dr Rajesh Patel

Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Dr Rajesh Patel (The Fullwell Avenue Surgery) on 8 December 2016. Overall the practice is rated as good.

Our key findings across all the areas we inspected were as follows:

• The practice was holding regular clinical and practice meetings but was not regularly recording minutes of meetings to reflect matters discussed, decisions reached and action taken.
• There was an open and transparent approach to safety and an effective system in place for reporting and recording significant events.
• Risks to patients were assessed and well managed.
• Staff assessed patients’ needs and delivered care in line with current evidence based guidance. Staff had been trained to provide them with the skills, knowledge and experience to deliver effective care and treatment.
• Patients said they were treated with compassion, dignity and respect and they were involved in their care and decisions about their treatment.
• Information about services and how to complain was available and easy to understand.
• Patients said they found it easy 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 and complied with the requirements of the duty of candour.

The areas where the provider should make improvement are:

• Record minutes of clinical and practice meetings to reflect discussions, decisions reached and any actions that follow.

• Develop a protocol for the use and maintenance of the newly purchased defibrillator and ensure that staff are trained in its use.

• Review and correct coding errors that impacted on the practice’ QOF achievement, including in relation to patients diagnosed with dementia.

• Continue to review the practice complaints policy to ensure that both verbal and written complaints are recorded in line with national guidelines.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice