5 August 2015
During an inspection looking at part of the service
Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice
We carried out an announced focussed inspection at Taw Hill Medical Centre on 5 August 2015 to follow up on actions identified during out previous inspection in October 2014. Aspects of the practice we asked the provider to improve which were covered during our inspection included; staff recruitment, the safety and availability of equipment, medicines management and quality assurance processes. We saw the provider had made improvements to their service; overall the practice is rated as good.
Our key findings across all the areas we inspected were as follows:
- Staff understood and fulfilled their responsibilities to raise concerns, and to report incidents and near misses. Information about safety was recorded, monitored, appropriately reviewed and addressed.
- Risks to patients were assessed and well managed, with improvements to those relating to recruitment checks, medicines management and emergency equipment.
- Staff had received training appropriate to their roles and any further training needs had been identified and planned.
- 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.
- The practice had good facilities and was well equipped to treat patients and meet their needs.
- There was a clear leadership structure and staff felt supported by management. The practice sought feedback from staff and patients, which it acted on and quality assurance processes had improved.
We saw one area of outstanding practice:
- The phlebotomist’s role had been extended to improve outcomes for patients. Alongside blood tests they took the patient’s blood pressure, measured their weight, recorded their body mass index and recorded their smoking status. Where concerns were noted the GP was informed and a further appointment was made. This helped the practice to proactively work towards preventing patients acquiring longer term conditions.
However there were areas of practice where the provider could make improvements. Importantly the provider should;
- Ensure all newly appointed staff have their induction training prioritised so that key subjects such as safeguarding and mental capacity are covered earlier in their induction.
- Ensure more frequent supervision of nurse prescribers is arranged and implemented.
- Ensure monthly infection control checks are recorded to evidence the work carried out.
Professor Steve Field CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP
Chief Inspector of General Practice