Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Bellbrooke Surgery on 29 October 2015. Overall the practice is rated as good for providing safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led care for all of the population groups it serves.

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 was in place for reporting and recording significant events.

• Risks to patients were assessed and well managed.

• Patients’ needs were assessed and care was planned and delivered following best practice guidance. Staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to deliver effective care and treatment.

• Patients said they were treated with compassion, dignity and respect and were involved in care and decisions about their treatment.

• Urgent appointments were available on the same day as requested.

• The practice operated a booked access clinic every weekday from 10.30am to 1pm to enable patients access to a same day appointment with a GP.

• The practice had good facilities and was well equipped to treat and meet the needs of patients.

• The practice sought patient views on how improvements could be made to the service, through the use of patient surveys, the NHS Friends and Family Test and the patient participation group.

• There was a clear leadership structure and staff were supported by management.

• 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