Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice
On 14 October 2014 we conducted an announced comprehensive inspection of The Hamilton Practice.
We found the practice overall rating was Good, improvements were required under the safe domain but all other domains, effective, responsive, caring and well led were rated as good.
Our key findings were as follows:
We found the practice had a clear strategy and a plan regarding how this was to be delivered.
- We found the practice treated patients with compassion, dignity and respect. They were involved in care and treatment decisions and were provided accessible information to help them understand the care available to them.
- Patients reported good access to the practice, a named GP and 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.
However, there were also areas of practice where the provider needs to make improvements.
Importantly, the provider must:
- Ensure appropriate professional advice is responded to e.g. reports from the Clinical Commissioning Group pharmacist on prescribing.
- Systems must be put in place to ensure patient dressings supplied for their individual use should be in date and stored separately from practice supplies.
In addition the provider should:
- Ensure that completed clinical audit cycles are collated and learning shared within the practice.
- Clinical staff should be provided with the opportunity to have individual clinical supervision.
Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP)
Chief Inspector of General Practice