Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Dr EA Bainbridge's Practice on 20 October 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.

• Risks to patients were assessed and well managed.

• Systems were in place to deal with medical emergencies and all staff were trained in basic life support.

• 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.

• Feedback from patients about their care was consistently positive.

• 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.

• Patients said they found it easy to make an appointment with a named GP and 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.

• The appointments system was flexible to accommodate the needs of patients. Urgent appointments were available the same day and routine appointments could be booked in advance.

• 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 practice had strong and visible clinical and managerial leadership and governance arrangements.

• The practice provided a range of enhanced services to meet the needs of the local population.

There were also areas of practice where the provider should make improvements. The provider should:

• Have a regular system of appraisals in order to support staff.

• Facilitate all staff meetings.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice