Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced, comprehensive inspection on 2 February 2015.

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 GPs and experienced health professionals to take on commissioning responsibilities for local health services. Neither of these organisations had any significant concerns.

We spoke with patients and staff including the management team. The inspection focussed on whether the care and treatment of patients was safe, effective, caring, responsive and well led. During the inspection we spoke with patients and carers that used the practice and met with members of the patient participation group (PPG). A PPG is a group of patients who have volunteered to represent patients' views and concerns and are seen as an effective way for patients and GP surgeries to work together to improve services and to promote health and improved quality of care.

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.

Our key findings were as follows:

The practice covered a large geographical and rural area, services had been designed to meet the needs of the local population.

Feedback from patients was overwhelmingly positive, they told us staff treated them with respect and kindness.

Staff reported feeling supported and able to voice any concerns or make suggestions for improvement.

Patients were treated with compassion, dignity and respect.

Staff were able to identify and respond to changing risks to patients including deteriorating health and well-being or medical emergencies

Staff understood their responsibilities to raise concerns, and report incidents and near misses.

Patients reported good access to the practice and a named GP and continuity of care, with urgent appointments available the same day.

The overall rating for The Practice  is ‘Good'.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice