Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Hessle Grange Medical Practice on 17 & 18 February 2016. 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.
• Risks to patients were assessed and well managed.
• Staff assessed patients’ needs and delivered care in line with current evidence based guidance.
• Staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to deliver effective care and treatment.
• 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 were able to get same day appointments however some patients told us it could be difficult to make appointments. GPs had ‘personal lists’ providing all patients with a named GP and continuity of care.
• 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.

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

Importantly the provider should:

• Ensure there is an audit trail of blank prescriptions forms.

• Ensure the practice has a written strategy and supporting business plan which outlines their vision and plans for the future.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice