Archived: Cobridge Surgery

Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Cobridge Surgery on 2 September 2015. Overall the practice is rated as good.

Please note that when referring to information throughout this report, for example any reference to the Quality and Outcomes Framework data, this relates to the most recent information available to the CQC at that time.

Our key findings were as follows:

• Staff knew how to and understood the need to raise concerns and report incidents and near misses. Information about safety was recorded, monitored, appropriately reviewed and acted upon.
• Although the practice had not developed practice specific risk assessments, risks to patients had been assessed and were well managed.
• Best practice guidance was used to assess patients’ needs and plan and deliver their care. Staff had received training appropriate to their roles and any further training needs had been identified and planned.
• Patients said they were treated with compassion, dignity and respect and they were involved in their care and decisions about their treatment.
• Patient information, including how to complain was available and easy to understand.
• Patients told us they could usually get an appointment when they needed one, with urgent appointments available the same day. They also told us they may have to wait up to a week for a pre bookable appointment.
• The practice was located in a purpose build health centre with good facilities and suitable equipment to treat and meet patients’ needs.
• There was a clear leadership structure and staff felt supported by management.

We saw one area of outstanding practice:

• Stickers had been developed for children which incorporated a QR (quick response) code for smart phones. This took the user to the common childhood illnesses booklet on the practice website, which could be downloaded on the phone for future reference.

However, there were also areas of practice where the provider needs to make improvements.

Importantly the provider must:

• Ensure that all necessary pre-employment checks are obtained and appropriate evidence kept on file.

The provider should:

• Consider having a designated lead for infection control and carry out infection control audits.
• Develop practice specific risk assessments.
• Review and update the disaster handling and recovery protocol.
• Consider recording informal / verbal complaints.
• Consider developing a strategic plan to support the delivery of the practice values and any future developments.
• Carry out risk assessment to ensure the safety of confidential information within the practice.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice