When the provider initially registered with the CQC in January 2013 they declared they were non-compliant in three areas: safeguarding people who use services from abuse, cleanliness and infection control and safety and suitability of premises. We reviewed these areas at this inspection and found compliance with the regulations, in all of the areas.

We spoke with patients, in private, who visited the surgery on the day of our inspection. We spoke with the practice manager and other team members too.

Patients told us they were very happy with the care and support they received from this practice. Some people said they were happy to see any doctor or nurse as, "They all listen to me, I am never rushed." Another told us, "All staff give me time and I am able to ask questions about my treatment and care.” This meant they felt their views about their care and treatment were listened to and their needs were met.

We found patients were protected from the risk of abuse.

We saw that there were effective systems in place to reduce the risk and spread of infection.

We found the provider had taken steps to provide care in an environment where patients, staff and other visitors were protected against the risks associated with unsafe premises.

Patients told us that they had not had any need to complain; but if necessary they would speak immediately to either the doctor or the practice manager.

Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Escrick Surgery on 16 September 2015. Overall the practice is rated as good.

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

• Staff understood and fulfilled their responsibilities to raise concerns, and to report incidents and near misses. Information about safety was recorded, monitored, appropriately reviewed and addressed.
• Risks to patients were assessed and well managed
• Patients’ needs were assessed and care was planned and delivered following best practice guidance. Staff had received training appropriate to their roles and any further training needs had been identified and planned.
• Patients said they were treated with compassion, dignity and respect and they were involved in their care and decisions about their treatment.
• Information about services and how to complain was easy to understand and was available in the practice leaflet and on request.
• Urgent appointments were available on the same day.
• The practice had good facilities and was well equipped to treat patients and met their needs.
• There was a clear leadership structure and staff felt supported by management. The practice proactively sought feedback from staff and patients, which it acted on.

We saw one area of outstanding practice:

• Seven day care to patients in the last few weeks of life by the same GP by daily telephone calls ensuring consistent and reassuring care.

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

Practice clinical meetings should involve all clinical staff, including nurses, to ensure consistency and learning is shared and  that decisions and actions from significant events are communicated effectively to all.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice