Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice
We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at The Sides Medical Practice on 18 August 2016. The overall rating for the practice was good, with one area, safe rated as requires improvement. The full comprehensive report on the August 2016 inspection can be found by selecting the ‘all reports’ link for The Sides Medical Practice on our website at www.cqc.org.uk.
This inspection was an announced focused inspection carried out on 16 August 2017 to confirm that the practice had carried out their plan to meet the legal requirements in relation to the breaches in regulations that we identified in our previous inspection on 18 August 2016. This report covers our findings in relation to those requirements and also additional improvements made since our last inspection.
The practice is now rated as good for being ‘safe’. Overall the practice remains rated as Good.
Our key findings were as follows:
- A system was in place to record significant events and learning was shared with staff during clinical and team meetings.
- Recruitment records relating to people employed now includes information relevant to their employment such as photo identification and DBS checks. The practice had also updated their recruitment policy and procedure to reflect current guidance. The practice manager had been identified as lead for human resources.
- Staff had access to regular team meetings. For example non clinical staff met bi-monthly and these meetings were minuted.
- Information on how to access medical emergency equipment and drugs was now clearly displayed including information in the waiting area and main office.
- Nursing staff and non clinical staff had access to support and supervision including competencies checked and regular reviews taking place especially during the first year of employment or following changes to roles and responsibilities.
Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP)
Chief Inspector of General Practice