Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice
This practice is rated as Good overall.
The key questions are rated as:
Are services safe? – Good
Are services effective? – Good
Are services caring? – Good
Are services responsive? – Good
Are services well-led? - Good
As part of our inspection process, we also look at the quality of care for specific population groups. The population groups are rated as:
Older People – Good
People with long-term conditions – Good
Families, children and young people – Good
Working age people (including those recently retired and students – Good
People whose circumstances may make them vulnerable – Good
People experiencing poor mental health (including people with dementia) - Good
We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Stafford Medical Group on 8th and 9th November 2017 as part of our inspection programme.
At this inspection we found:
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The practice had clear systems to manage risk so that safety incidents were less likely to happen. When incidents did happen, the practice learned from them and improved their processes.
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The practice routinely reviewed the effectiveness and appropriateness of the care it provided. It ensured that care and treatment was delivered according to evidence- based guidelines.
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Staff involved and treated patients with compassion, kindness, dignity and respect.
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Patients found the appointment system easy to use and reported that they were able to access care when they needed it.
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There was a strong focus on continuous learning and improvement at all levels of the organisation.
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They were knowledgeable about issues and priorities relating to the quality and future of services. They understood the challenges and were addressing them. For example, they had developed a plan to move the service forward which included reviewing facilities and succession planning for the leadership and clinical provision at the practice.
The areas where the provider should make improvements are:
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Continue with a programme of identifying and supporting carers.
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The provider should continue to keep under review the facilities and environment at Stafford Place to ensure that they are safe and fit for purpose, and to meet the needs of the patients who use it.
Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP)
Chief Inspector of General Practice