Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Hawthorne Medical Practice on 8 September 2016 Overall the practice is rated as good.

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

• There was an open and transparent approach to safety and an effective system in place for reporting and recording significant events. However there was no evidence to show that all members of staff were involved in the learning from such events.
• Risks to patients were assessed and well managed.
• Staff assessed patients’ needs and delivered care in line with current evidence based guidance. Staff had been trained to provide them with the skills, knowledge and experience to deliver effective care and treatment.
• GPs did not always have access to patients test results prior to issuing repeat prescriptions for some medicines.
• 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 available and easy to understand. Improvements were made to the quality of care as a result of complaints and concerns.
• Patients said they found it easy to make an appointment and there was continuity of care, with urgent appointments available the same day.
• 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.
• There was limited evidence that the practice proactively sought feedback from patients.
• The provider was aware of and complied with the requirements of the duty of candour.

However there are areas where the provider should make improvements;

The provider should;

• Ensure that GPs always have access to test results prior to issuing repeat prescriptions for certain medicines.

• Take positive steps to engage with patients .

• Ensure that all staff have the opportunity to learn from serious events .

• Consider a formal process of providing support for bereaved patients.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice