Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Deneside Medical Centre on 27 April 2017. Overall the practice is rated as good.

Our key findings were as follows:

• Staff assessed patients’ needs and delivered care in line with current evidence based guidance.
• Staff understood and fulfilled their responsibilities to raise concerns, and to report incidents and near misses.
• 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.
• Most patients said they were able to get an appointment with a GP when they needed one, with urgent appointments available the same day.
• The practice had good facilities and was well equipped to treat patients and meet their needs.
• There was a clear leadership structure in place and staff felt supported by management.
• The practice proactively sought feedback from staff and patients, which they acted on.
• Staff throughout the practice worked well together as a team.

In addition, the provider should:

• Take steps to record the distribution of pre-printed prescription form stock within the practice.
• Take action to provide Mental Capacity Act training for relevant staff.
• Review the letter issued in response to complaints received to include details of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.

Professor Steve Field CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP 

Chief Inspector of General Practice