We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at East Lindsey Medical Group on 30 January and 5 March 2019 as part of our inspection programme. Our inspection team was led by a CQC inspector and included a GP specialist advisor, a practice manager specialist advisor and a practice nurse specialist advisor. A further CQC inspector visited the branch site at The Wolds Branch, Tetford.

Our judgement of the quality of care at this service is based on a combination of what we found when we inspected, information from our ongoing monitoring of data about services and information from the provider, patients, the public and other organisations.

I have rated this practice as good overall.

This means that:

• People were protected from avoidable harm and abuse and that legal requirements were met.
• Patients had good outcomes because they received effective care and treatment that met their needs.
• Patients were supported, treated with dignity and respect and were involved as partners in their care.
• People’s needs were met by the way in which services were organised and delivered.
• The leadership, governance and culture of the practice promoted the delivery of high quality person-centred care.

Whilst we found no breaches of regulations, the provider should:

• Continue to embed the process of conducting medication reviews.

Details of our findings and the evidence supporting our ratings are set out in the evidence tables.

Dr Rosie Benneyworth BM BS BMedSci MRCGPChief Inspector of Primary Medical Services and Integrated Care

Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

Newmarket Medical Practice offers a wide range of primary medical services from a single surgery at 153 Newmarket, Louth.

Prior to our inspection we consulted with the local clinical commissioning group (CCG) and the NHS local area team about the practice. A CCG is an organisation that brings together local GP’s and experienced health professionals to take on commissioning responsibilities for local health services. Neither of these organisations had any significant concerns.

We carried out an announced inspection on 6 October 2014

During the inspection we spoke with patients and carers that used the practice and met with members of the Patient Participation Group. We also reviewed comments cards that had been provided by CQC on which patients could record their views.

We looked at patient care across the following population groups: Older people; those with long term medical conditions; mothers, babies, children and young people; working age people and those recently retired; people in vulnerable circumstances who may have poor access to primary care; and people experiencing poor mental health.

The overall rating for Newmarket Medical Practice is ‘Good’ 

Our key findings were as follows:

• Patients were complimentary about the service they received and said they were respected, given choices and were involved with their care.

•  Systems were in place to ensure that patients were safe, this included safeguarding policies and procedures that were understood and acted upon by staff.

• There was a well led, open culture within the practice and staff felt they were able to raise and discuss any issues with the practice manager or the GP partners. Leadership roles and responsibilities were well established and defined with clear lines of accountability.

• The practice had a clear infection control and prevention policy, which included thorough cleaning and maintenance of potential sources of healthcare associated infections.

• The practice offered a wide range of services for specific conditions such as diabetes, dietary advice, chronic obstructive pulmonary conditions and those using anti-coagulant medication and had suitable arrangements in place to respond to patients with a variety of health needs.

• There was evidence that the practice had systems in place for assessing and managing risks and monitoring the quality of service provision.

• The young person’s clinic was highlighted as a very valuable service where young peoples’ dignity and confidentiality was maintained whilst providing advice and information on such matters as contraception, personal relationships and bullying among others.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice