Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We inspected Dr. Kieran McCormack’s practice, also known as Worthen Medical Practice on the 26 November 2014. We inspected this practice as part of our new focused, comprehensive, inspection programme.

We looked at how well the practice provided services for specific groups of patients. These included; older patients, patients with long-term conditions, families, children and young people, working age patients (including those recently retired and students), patients living in vulnerable circumstances and patients experiencing poor mental health (including people with dementia).

The overall rating for this practice was good.

Our key findings were as follows:

• There was a clear management structure to support and guide staff to deliver safe, responsive and effective care to patients.
• We found the leadership team was visible. There were good governance and risk management measures in place.
• Patients told us they were treated with compassion, dignity and respect and they were involved in care and treatment decisions.
• The practice provided patients with same day appointments and extended evening appointments every Monday.
• The practice took time to listen to the views of their patients and had an effective, active Patient Participation Group and any actions identified were implemented and used to improve the service.
• Staff had implemented a system to reduce the risk of patients missing their regular reviews for conditions, such as diabetes, respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.
• The practice was working towards the development, agreement and funding for new practice premises in the future. This had been widely consulted on over a ten year period.
• The practice had an in house community care co-ordinator.
• Following home visits, the GP provided an individual medicine dispensing service where necessary for patients that required it.

We saw several areas of outstanding practice including:

• The practice staff were involved with supporting the Compassionate Communities initiative (Co Co). Staff recruited volunteers and co-ordinated support for individuals the impact of which was to improve people’s wellbeing. This is a voluntary organisation that provides support for local people at home, helping them maintain their independence.

However, there was also an area of practice where the provider needs to make improvements.

The provider should:

• Complete a risk assessment in respect of the dispensary security.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice

We spoke with five patients during our visit. They told us they were treated with care and respect. One patient told us “When I do come, I am always treated with consideration, I am always listened to.” Another patient said “I do find you can talk to them easily, they respect what I say.”

Patients’ needs were assessed and care and treatment was planned and delivered in line with their individual wishes. One patient said “When I needed secondary care, the doctor always knew which consultant to refer me to and that is always very reassuring.” Another patient told us “They are very helpful and answer questions, I agreed to my treatment.”

We asked patients if they felt safe at the practice and the GPs acted in their best interests. One patient told us “I feel absolutely safe when I come here.” Another patient said “I feel fine, they are very friendly.” Staff had received training in safeguarding vulnerable adults and children. They were aware of the appropriate agencies to refer safeguarding concerns to ensure that patients were protected from risks of harm.

We saw systems were in place for the safe keeping and dispensing of medication. Patients told us they received their repeat medication on time.

Patients who used the practice were asked for their views about their care and treatment and they were acted upon. Surveys had been undertaken and the results had been analysed and shared with staff.