Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Charnock Health Primary Care Centre on 1 March 2016. Overall the practice is rated as good.

• There was an open and transparent approach to safety and an effective system in place for reporting and recording significant events although these were not shared across the wider practice team.

• Risks to patients were generally assessed and well managed apart from DBS checks.

• 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.
• Patients said they were treated with compassion, dignity and respect and they were involved in their care and decisions about their treatment.
• Not all patients said they found it easy to make an appointment with a named GP. However, there was continuity of care, with urgent appointments available the same day.
• The practice had good facilities and was well equipped to treat patients and meet their needs.
• Staff felt supported by management and the practice 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.

The areas where the provider should make improvements are:

• Learning from incidents and complaints should be communicated to include the whole practice team.
• All staff should have access to regular appraisals.
• Staff acting as chaperones must have DBS checks.
• Practice policies should be reviewed and dated.
• Ensure recruitment arrangements include all necessary employment checks for all staff.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice