Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Archway Surgery on 22 November 2016. Overall the practice is rated as good.

Our key findings across all the areas we inspected were as follows:

• The practice had a clear vision and had recognised the particular needs of patients in the community it served.
• The practice had worked to create an open and transparent approach to safety. A clear reporting system was in place for recording significant events.
• Risks to patients were identified, assessed and appropriately managed. For example, the practice implemented appropriate recruitment checks for new staff, undertook regular clinical reviews and followed up-to-date medicines management protocols.
• We saw that the staff assessed patients’ needs and delivered care in line with current evidence based guidance.
• Staff were supported to access development learning and routine training was provided to ensure they had the skills, knowledge and experience to deliver effective care and treatment.
• Data from the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) 2015/2016 showed the practice had performed well, obtaining 99% of the total points available to them, for providing recommended care and treatment to their patients.
• Feedback from patients was consistently positive. Patients we spoke with told us they were treated with compassion, dignity and respect and they were involved in their care and decisions about their treatment. Comments from patients on the nine completed CQC comment cards confirmed these views.
• Results from the GP Patient Survey published in July 2016 showed the practice was consistently performing higher than local and national averages.
• Information about services and how to complain or provide feedback was available in the waiting area and published on the practice website. The practice had a thorough process dealing with patient feedback. Outcomes from complaints were shared and learning opportunities identified as appropriate.
• Appointments were readily available. Urgent appointments were available the same day, although not always with the patients named or usual GP. Pre- bookable appointments were available eight weeks in advance.
• The practice had access to good facilities and modern equipment in order to treat patients and meet their needs.
• There was a clear leadership structure and we noted there was a positive outlook among the staff, with good levels of moral in the practice. Staff said they felt supported by management.
• The provider was aware of and complied with the requirements of the duty of candour.

The areas where the provider should make improvements are as follows:

• Medication review dates should be monitored and regularly audited.
• Development work to identify and support patients who are carers to continue.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice