This practice is rated as Good overall. (Previous rating 23/06/2015 – Good)
The key questions at this inspection are rated as:
Are services safe? – Requires Improvement
Are services effective? – Good
Are services caring? – Good
Are services responsive? – Good
Are services well-led? - Good
We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Watling Medical Practice on 8 November 2018 as part of our inspection programme.
At this inspection we found:
- Staff understood and fulfilled their responsibilities to raise concerns and report incidents and near misses.
- 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.
- The system for recruiting staff did not fully ensure only fit and proper persons were employed as not all of the required information had been obtained or documented prior to employment.
- 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.
- Staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles.
- Staff involved and treated patients with compassion, kindness, dignity and respect.
- The most recent results from the GP national patient survey (August 2018) showed patient satisfaction with the service. Feedback was overall in line with local and national averages. Feedback regarding being able to see or speak to a preferred GP was above these averages.
- The practice organised and delivered services to meet the needs of patients.
- There was an effective system for managing complaints.
- The practice had a culture of good quality sustainable care.
- There was a strong focus on continuous learning and improvement at all levels of the organisation.
The area where the provider must make improvements as they are in breach of regulations are:
- Ensure recruitment procedures are established and operated effectively to ensure only fit and proper persons are employed.
The areas where the provider should make improvements are:
- Provide guidance to all staff on the updated safeguarding policies and procedures.
- Review the procedure for monitoring uncollected prescriptions to ensure it is effective.
- Review the risk assessment for not carrying medication on home visits to ensure it incorporates how patients will be medically supported in an emergency.
- Provide an elbow mixer tap to the sink in the minor surgery room to improve infection control.
- Provide curtains in two treatment rooms to promote privacy and dignity during examinations.
- Review the system for encouraging the uptake of cervical screening by sending reminder letters.
Professor Steve Field CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP Chief Inspector of General Practice
Please refer to the detailed report and the evidence tables for further information.