This practice is rated as Good overall. This is the first time we have inspected this location under its registration with the current provider.

The key questions at this inspection are rated as:

Are services safe? – Good

Are services effective? – Good

Are services caring? – Good

Are services responsive? – Good

Are services well-led? - Good

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Fairmore Medical Practice on 12 July 2018 as part of our inspection programme.

At this inspection we found:

• The practice had clear systems to manage risk so that safety incidents were less likely to happen. We saw from practice records and discussions with staff that systems were effective in ensuring learning from incidents and complaints were shared and implemented.
• The practice routinely reviewed the effectiveness and appropriateness of the care it provided. It ensured that care and treatment was delivered according to evidence- based guidelines.
• A methodical approach had been implemented by the provider in understanding areas for development within the practice and clear action plans formulated to address them.
• Staff involved and treated patients with compassion, kindness, dignity and respect.
• Patients found the appointment system easy to use and reported that they were able to access care when they needed it.
• Staff told us they felt supported by practice leaders. A clarified staffing structure had been implemented by the provider and staff we spoke with demonstrated a good understanding of their roles and responsibilities.
• There was a strong focus on continuous learning and improvement at all levels of the organisation.

We saw one area of outstanding practice:

• The practice gave patients with dementia appointment cards which provided written summaries of consultation details, outcomes and any follow up required to take home as a reminder and to share with family and friends as required after the consultation.

The areas where the provider should make improvements are:

• Complaints literature should be readily available for patients attending the practice.

Professor Steve Field CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP
Chief Inspector of General Practice

Please refer to the detailed report and the evidence tables for further information.