Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection of Dr Sunil Bhalla on 4 August 2015. Overall the practice is rated as good.

Specifically, we rated the practice as good for providing safe, effective, caring, responsive and well led services and for the following population groups:

• Older people
• People with long term conditions
• Families, children and young people
• Working age people (including those recently retired and students)
• People whose circumstances may make them vulnerable
• People experiencing poor mental health (including people with dementia).

Our key findings across all of the areas inspected were as follows:

• There were systems in place to reduce risks to patient safety for example, infection control and health and safety procedures. Safeguarding concerns were identified and appropriate actions taken to safeguard patients.
• GPs shared the results of clinical audits with each other to promote better patient outcomes. Patients’ needs were assessed and care was planned and delivered following best practice guidance. Staff promoted health education and screening to empower patients to maintain their health.
• Patient care was provided by staff who had received appropriate training. Practice staff worked with other healthcare providers to deliver co-ordinated care and regularly reviewed patient’s care needs.
• Information about services and how to complain was available. The practice sought patient views about improvements that could be made to the service, including having a patient participation group (PPG).
• The practice had a clear vision which had quality of patient care and safety as its top priority. High standards were promoted and owned by all practice staff with evidence of team working across all roles.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice