We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection of the extended access service run by Pennine GP Alliance Limited at Todmorden Health Centre on 23 June 2021. Overall, the provider is rated as good.
Safe - Good
Effective - Good
Caring - Good
Responsive - Good
Well-led – Requires Improvement
Why we carried out this inspection
This announced comprehensive inspection was the provider’s first inspection. We looked at the key questions safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led.
How we carried out the inspection
Throughout the pandemic CQC has continued to regulate and respond to risk. However, taking into account the circumstances arising as a result of the pandemic, and in order to reduce risk, we have conducted our inspections differently.
This inspection was carried out in a way which enabled us to spend a minimum amount of time on site. This was with consent from the provider and in line with all data protection and information governance requirements.
This included:
- Conducting staff interviews using video conferencing
- Requesting evidence from the provider
- A site visit
As part of this inspection we interviewed by video conferencing, the Operations Manager, a GP, two advanced nurse practitioners, two advanced clinical practitioners and two receptionists. On the day of the inspection we interviewed at the location the Registered Manager, the GP Clinical Lead and the Operations Manager. We also interviewed by telephone, a GP and an advanced clinical practitioner who were working remotely for the extended access service on the day of the inspection.
Our findings
We based our judgement of the quality of care at this service on a combination of:
- what we found when we inspected
- information from our ongoing monitoring of data about services and
- information from the provider, patients, the public and other organisations.
We have rated this provider as good overall and requires improvement for the key question well-led.
We found that:
- The provider continued to contribute to the local health agenda and work in partnership with stakeholders to deliver patient care during the challenges of the past year with the COVID-19 pandemic.
- There were gaps in the oversight of some systems and processes to demonstrate effective governance. In particular, there were gaps in staff recruitment documentation, staff training and frequency updates, oversight of premises and equipment at the host GP practices, health and safety risk assessment, including fire evacuation, business continuity planning and policies and procedures.
- There were systems in place to safeguard children and vulnerable adults from abuse and staff we spoke with knew how to identify and report safeguarding concerns.
- Leaders reviewed the effectiveness and appropriateness of the care the service provided. They ensured that care and treatment was delivered according to evidence-based guidelines.
- There was a programme of quality improvement, including clinical audit.
- Staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to deliver effective care.
- Staff involved and treated people with compassion, kindness, dignity and respect.
- Leaders demonstrated they had the capacity and skills to deliver high-quality, sustainable care.
- Patient feedback about the service had been positive.
The areas where the provider must make improvements are:
- Establish effective systems and processes to ensure good governance in accordance with the fundamental standards of care.
The areas where the provider should make improvements are:
- Implement a system to track and monitor prescription stationery used by the service.
- Review the system to identify and record incidents and significant events to ensure all potential learning opportunities are captured to drive quality improvement.
- Develop a system to monitor the process for seeking consent to ensure consent and decision-making is in line with legislation and guidance.
- Improve and develop staff awareness of duty of candour and ensure all staff are aware of their responsibilities in relation to this.
Dr Rosie Benneyworth BM BS BMedSci MRCGP
Chief Inspector of Primary Medical Services and Integrated Care