Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Dr VK Dewan on 26 November 2015. Overall the practice is rated as good.

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

• There were systems in place to address incidents and safeguard vulnerable adults and children who used the service. There was an open and transparent approach to safety and an effective system in place for reporting and recording significant events.

• The practice had effective procedures in place that ensured care and treatment was delivered in line with appropriate standards.

• Patients were treated with dignity and respect. Patients spoke positively of their experiences and of the care and treatment provided by staff.

• Information about services and how to complain was available and easy to understand.

Patients said they found it easy to make an appointment with a named GP and that there was continuity of care, with urgent appointments available the same day. Telephone consultations were available and home visits to those who required it.

The practice was located in a purpose built building and had accessible facilities to treat patients and meet their needs.

• Systems were in place to monitor the effectiveness of the service, identify and manage risks or learn from previous incidents. There was a clear leadership structure in place, quality and performance were monitored and risks were identified and managed.

• There was a leadership structure and staff felt supported by management. The practice proactively sought feedback from staff and patients, which it acted on.

The areas where the provider should make improvement are:

• Minutes of meetings discussing incidents in particular should be detailed enough to allow staff members unable to attend the meeting to update themselves.

• Spot checks to ensure effective cleaning should be formalised.

• The practice business continuity plan should be robust with all appropriate details included.

• The practice should ensure all patients with caring responsibilities are registered so that they could be offered further help where appropriate.

• All staff should be aware of practice vision and values.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice