Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

This is a focused desk top review of evidence supplied by Dr Karim and Dr James-Authe for areas within the key question safe that required improvement following our full comprehensive inspection under the Health and Social Care Act 2008. At that inspection on 17 March 2016, the practice was rated good overall. However, within the key question safe, there were areas identified as requiring improvement, as the practice was not meeting the legislation at that time. The areas where the provider was told they must make improvements were as follows :

• Regulation 12 HSCA (RA) Regulations 2014 Safe care and treatment. The practice had a fire safety policy, fire risk assessments and had appointed two trained fire marshals. Whilst it was evident that requirements identified in the fire risk assessment for the Wyresdale Road surgery had been completed this was not the case at the Halliwell Road branch surgery. The fire risk assessment for the Halliwell Road branch surgery (conducted in June 2015) included the requirements to install a fire alarm, smoke detectors and emergency lighting at the premises. We were informed and saw evidence that these requirements were in the process of being addressed within a month of our visit. Whilst we acknowledge the provider was committed to address the risks in respect of fire safety they must take action to ensure they reduce or remove the risks within a timescale that reflects the level of risks on people who use the services. Regulation 12(2)(d)

• Regulation 12 HSCA (RA) Regulations 2014 Safe care and treatment. At the time of our visit oxygen was not available for emergency use at the Wyresdale Road surgery or the Halliwell Road branch surgery. Oxygen is considered essential in dealing with certain medical emergencies. The provider must ensure that oxygen is available for emergency use when planning and delivering care and, where appropriate, treatment in such a way as to ensure the welfare and safety of patients. Regulation 12(2)(h)

This is a focused desk top review of evidence supplied by Dr Karim and Dr James-Authe for the areas of improvement identified within the key question safe. We received and assessed documentation to evidence that the practice had carried out their plan and now met the required level in relation to breaches in Regulation 12.

The overall rating for the practice remains as good and the practice is now rated as good for being safe. Our key findings were as follows:

• A Legionella Risk Assessment was completed on

• A fire risk assessment was completed on

• Actions relating to fire safety were carried out. Health and safety checks were undertaken.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice