Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Derwent Valley Medical Practice on 6 September 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. Learning outcomes were shared with staff.
• Risks to patients were assessed and generally well managed. Health and safety precautions had been taken which included checking that equipment was fully working and safe to use and infection prevention and control measures were in place.
• Staff assessed patients’ needs and delivered care in line with current evidence based guidance. Staff had been trained to provide them with the skills, knowledge and experience to deliver effective care and treatment.
• Comment cards we received from patients showed that they felt they were treated with compassion, dignity and respect.
• Patient feedback from surveys undertaken was mixed. Patients had confidence and trust in the last GP they saw but satisfaction rates for patients getting to see their preferred GP were low. The practice was taking positive action to address all patient feedback received.
• Information about services and how to complain was available and easy to understand. Improvements were made to the quality of care as a result of complaints and concerns.
• The practice had good facilities and was well equipped to treat patients and meet their needs.
• There was a clear leadership structure and staff felt supported by management. 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.

The areas where the provider should make improvement are:

• The practice should continue in its efforts to improve the patient care experience in relation to access arrangements.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice

We spoke with three patients, a representative of the Patient Participation Group, two GPs, two practice nurses, two reception staff and the practice manager during our inspection.

Patients told us they felt involved in their care and were able to ask questions. They said treatment options were discussed with them, and any new medication was fully explained. One patient told us “The GP prescribed tablets for my condition, and I have been seen every month to make sure the tablets are working.” Another patient said “The GPs always listen and explain things.”

The provider worked in co-operation with other providers. We saw systems were in place to share information with out of hours services, as well as community nursing staff.

There were systems in place to reduce the risk and spread of infection. There was guidance for staff to follow, and training had been provided. The provider had carried out an infection control audit, and addressed any identified issues.

Patients could access the building easily, and all services were located on the ground floor. Risk assessments had been completed and improvements made.

A recruitment and selection process was in place although new staff began work before the appropriate checks were in place.

Patients were asked their views about the service provided and these were acted upon. As patients had said it was sometime difficult to get an appointment, two additional GPs had been employed at the practice.