Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Dr Cowen & Partners (also known as Northfields Surgery) on 9 February 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.
• Most risks to patients and staff were assessed and well managed however there were some areas that necessitated review.
• 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 felt the practice offered an excellent service and staff were helpful, caring, professional and kind and treated them with dignity and respect.
• Information about services and how to complain was available and easy to understand.
• Patients said they found it easy to make an appointment with a named GP and that there was continuity of care, with urgent appointments available the same day.
• The practice had good facilities and was equipped to treat patients and meet their needs. Due to building constraints there was no dedicated toilet for disabled patients however the general toilet had been adapted to address this.
• 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:

• Ensure a mercury spill kit is available to deal with any spillage from the mercury gauge blood pressure monitor kept at the practice.

• Ensure that regular fire drills are carried out.

• Review the arrangements in place for the disposal of cytotoxic waste.

• Review the frequency of infection control audits carried out to ensure they comply with recommended guidance.

• Ensure that water temperature checks are carried out to reduce the risk of legionella.

• Review the arrangements in place for the storage of emergency medicines and equipment to ensure timely access and security of all emergency medicines.

• Advertise the availability of translation services.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice