Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice
We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Church Lane Surgery on 7 January 2016. Overall the practice is rated as good.
Our key findings across all the areas we inspected were as follows:
- There was an open and transparent approach to safety and an effective system in place for reporting and recording significant events.
- Risks to patients were assessed and well managed.
- Staff assessed patients’ needs and delivered care in line with current evidence based guidance. Staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to deliver effective care and treatment.
- Patients said they were treated with compassion, dignity and respect and they were involved in their care and decisions about their treatment.
- Information about services and how to complain was available and easy to understand.
- Patients said they found the recently improved appointment system easier to book an appointment, though not necessarily with the GP of their choice. Continuity of care was delivered as GPs booked any necessary follow ups with the patient at the time of their initial appointment. Most appointments were available on the same day.
- The practice was making good use of the facilities available to them and tailored services to best meet patient needs.
- There was a clear leadership structure and staff felt supported by management
- The practice proactively sought feedback from patients and staff; and acted upon this feedback.
- The provider was aware of and complied with the requirements of the Duty of Candour.
We saw one area of outstanding practice:
However there were areas where the provider needs to make improvements. Specifically the provider should:
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Complete an annual infection prevention and control (IPC) audit and ensure any identified actions are completed.
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Complete annual appraisals for all staff
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Establish regular multidisciplinary (MDT) meetings which are minuted.
Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP)
Chief Inspector of General Practice