This service is rated as Good overall.

The key questions are rated as:

Are services safe? – Good

Are services effective? – Good

Are services caring? – Good

Are services responsive? – Good

Are services well-led? – Good

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection of Beaumont House (the Tower Hamlets extended hours service) as part of our inspection programme. As part of the inspection, we also visited one of the hub practices from which the extended hours service operates, at The Blithehale Medical Centre, 22 Dunbridge Street, London E2 6JA.

Our inspection team was led by a CQC lead inspector. The team included a GP specialist adviser, a nurse specialist adviser, and a second CQC inspector.

At this inspection we found:

• There were systems to keep people safeguarded from abuse.

• The service learned and made improvements when things went wrong.

• Care and treatment was delivered according to relevant and current evidence based guidance and standards.

• The provider reviewed and monitored the effectiveness and appropriateness of the care and treatment provided.

• Staff involved and treated people with compassion, kindness, dignity and respect.

• Patients were able to access care and treatment from the service within an appropriate timescale for their needs.

• The provider supported local practices and secondary care within the London borough of Tower Hamlets.

• The way the practice was led and managed promoted the delivery of high-quality and person-centre care.

• There was a strong focus on continuous learning and improvement at all levels of the organisation.

We saw one area of notable practice:

• Within an hour of a serious incident occurring at two local practices the service had opened additional hubs and made 90 same day and next day appointments available to ensure both practices’ patients could continue to access care and treatment.

The areas where the provider should make improvements are:

• Ensure there is effective oversight of safety at the hub practices and seek evidence that up to date safety risk assessments and audits have been completed.

• Review and formalise the process for monitoring the consultations and performance of nurses and healthcare assistants.

Dr Rosie Benneyworth BM BS BMedSci MRCGP

Chief Inspector of Primary Medical Services and Integrated Care