We inspected the practice on the 22 January 2013. We spoke with the registered manager, who was one of the partners, the salaried doctor and a registrar who was working at the surgery to gain general practice experience. There were no practice nurses working at the surgery. We also spoke with two administrative staff. Staff told us they were appropriately supported to carry out their responsibilities. It was apparent that the staff team was efficient, friendly and worked well together. They clearly took pride in the service. We looked at a number of medical records and other records relating to the service. The records were well-maintained and the practice had appropriate policies and guidance, which were up-to-date and regularly reviewed.
We spoke with six people attending the morning surgery. The people were very happy with the service. They were pleased to be able to attend the walk-in morning surgery. They also said that it was easy to make appointments that were convenient to them. They told us that the staff were polite and treated them with respect. They said the doctors took time to fully explain issues regarding their health and answered any questions they had.
Access for wheelchair users and people with mobility problems was difficult due to the layout of the premises. The surgery occupied the basement of a listed block of flats, which limited any rebuilding work that could be done. Home visits were arranged for people who could not attend the surgery for health reasons or who might have difficulties with access.
There was an active patients' representative group, allowing people who used the service to provide regular feedback and be involved in decision-making.