Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Field House Surgery on 21 September 2017. The practice is rated as good. This practice was taken over in January 2017 by Humber NHS Foundation Trust (HFT). They were awarded the contract following a procurement process. We previously inspected this practice under another provider were four outcomes were rated as requiring improvement.

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

• There was an open and transparent approach to safety and a system in place for reporting and recording significant events.
• The practice had clearly defined and embedded systems to minimise risks to patient safety.
• Staff were aware of current evidence based guidance. Staff had been trained to provide them with the skills and knowledge to deliver effective care and treatment.
• Results from the national GP patient survey showed not all patients were happy with the services. However the survey data was collected from January to March 2017 when the new providers had just taken over the practice. Recent friends and family results demonstrated a marked improvement.
• Information about services and how to complain was available and easy to understand. Improvements were made to the quality of care as a result of complaints and concerns.
• Patients told us they found it easy to make an appointment with a named GP and there was continuity of care, with urgent appointments available the same day. However currently all of the GPs in the practice were long term locums.
• The practice had good facilities and was well equipped to treat patients and meet 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.
• The provider was aware of and complied with the requirements of the Duty of Candour.

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

Importantly the provider should:

• Continue to improve the Quality Outcome Framework (QOF) scores.

• Continue to improve access to appointments.

• Review the safety of loose carpets at the top of the stairs and staff areas.

• Improve the system for identifying carers so they are offered relevant support if appropriate.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice