Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice
We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Saddlers Health Centre on 2 December 2015. 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.
• 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.
• Patients told us that they could get an appointment
when they needed one, however there was some delays to routine appointments when doctors were on leave.
• Information about services and how to complain was available and easy to understand.
• The provider was aware of and complied with the requirements of the Duty of Candour. The Duty of Candour aims to help patients receive accurate, truthful information from providers.
• The practice proactively sought feedback from patients and had an active patient participation group.
• Staff could be overheard discussing patient details at the front reception desk when answering the telephone.
• Staff were not always aware of the procedures to follow in the event of an emergency.
The areas where the provider must make improvement:
• Ensure recruitment arrangements include all necessary employment checks for all staff.
The areas where the provider should make improvement:
• Carry out risk assessments and log maintenance actions required.
Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP)
Chief Inspector of General Practice