Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

This is the report from our inspection of Dr PF Mullen’s practice. Dr PF Mullen’s practice is registered with the Care Quality Commission to provide primary care services.

We undertook a planned, comprehensive inspection on the 15 October 2014 at the practice location Dr PF Mullen’s practice (also known as Penny Lane Health Centre). We reviewed information we held about the practice and spoke with patients, representatives of the patient participation group, GPs, staff, and the local Clinical Commissioning Group pharmacy lead involved with the practice.

The practice was rated as Good overall. There were some elements of the practice that could be improved but the practice provided good care to the population it served.

Our key findings were as follows:

• There were systems in place to mitigate safety risks. The premises were clean and tidy. Systems were in place to ensure medication including vaccines were appropriately stored and in date.

• The practice was effective. Patients had their needs assessed in line with current guidance and the practice promoted health education to empower patients to live healthier lives.

• The practice was caring. Feedback from patients and observations throughout our inspection highlighted the practice staff were kind, caring and helpful.

• The practice was responsive. The practice operated an open access clinic for patients three days a week and currently provided some evening appointments for patients who had difficulty attending because of their employment.

• The practice was well led. The practice worked well together as a team and had regular staff meetings and training.

However, there were also areas of practice where the provider needs to make improvements. 

The provider should:

• Consider having oxygen available for medical emergencies.
• Ensure all policies and procedures are up to date.
• Ensure there is a written record for all staff appraisals including nurses and Health Care Assistants.
• Risk assess whether clinical staff currently employed require Disclosure and Barring Service checks.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice