Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Barton Family Practice on 4 July 2016. 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
• Risks to patients were assessed and well managed.
• 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.
• Feedback from patients about their care was consistently positive and the practice scored higher than local and national averages in all questions included in the GP National Patient Survey.
• 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. Investigations were made to the quality of care as a result of complaints and concerns. Results including learning outcomes were documented and shard with all staff.
• Patients complimented the practice on acess to appointments with a named GP and that there was continuity of care, with urgent appointments available the same day.
• The practice had excellent facilities and was well equipped to treat patients and meet their needs. These included a dedicated minor surgery suite.
• There was a clear leadership structure and staff felt supported by management. There was positive comments from staff on teamwork and the practice proactively sought feedback from staff and patients, which it acted on.

• The provider was aware of and complied with the requirements of the Duty of Candour.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice