We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Seaton and Colyton Medical Practice on 26 February 2019 as part of our inspection programme.
We based our judgement of the quality of care at this service on a combination of:
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what we found when we inspected
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information from our ongoing monitoring of data about services and
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information from the provider, patients, the public and other organisations.
We have rated this practice as good overall, and good for all population groups.
We found that:
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The practice had responded positively and taken action on feedback received from the previous CQC inspection. This included improved awareness and health information available for younger people and regular infection prevention control audits.
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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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Improvements since our previous inspection included health navigation and E-Consult.
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The practice offered extended access appointments which included early mornings and evenings, together with weekend appointments in conjunction with 13 practices which comprised East Devon Health federation.
We found examples of outstanding practice;
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The practice was among the first nationally to become an official “Parkrun practice”. This involved the active promotion to patients of attending the weekly Park run. GPs invited patients to join them. Less mobile patients were invited to a walking group, ‘ Walk for Health’ which had been set up by one of the GPs. The aim was to support and encourage those patients that would benefit from regular exercise and prevent social isolation.
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The practice had introduced an “Eating With Dignity” scheme, a multi-disciplinary approach to nutrition for patients. This scheme had been adopted by local care homes and the wider community.
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A GP at the practice had been pivotal in facilitating the formation of the home nursing service which was now independent of the practice (but was located within the practice)that looked after patients who needed palliative care. They offered 24-hour care and provided support for people with terminal illness and for people wishing to die in their own homes.
We found areas where the practice should make improvements;
Details of our findings and the evidence supporting our ratings are set out in the evidence tables.
Dr Rosie Benneyworth BM BS BMedSci MRCGP
Chief Inspector of Primary Medical Services and Integrated Care