We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Hunts Cross Health Centre on 1 March 2019 as part of our inspection programme.

We based our judgement of the quality of care at this service on a combination of:

• what we found when we inspected
• information from our ongoing monitoring of data about services and
• information from the provider, patients, the public and other organisations.

We have rated this practice as good overall and good for all population groups.

We found that:

• The practice provided care in a way that kept patients safe and protected them from avoidable harm.
• Patients received effective care and treatment that met their needs.
• Staff dealt with patients with kindness and respect and involved them in decisions about their care.
• The practice organised and delivered services to meet patients’ needs. Patients could access care and treatment in a timely way.
• The way the practice was led and managed promoted the delivery of high-quality, person-centre care.

There was an element of outstanding practice:

• There was an emphasis on risk assessments, monitoring and audits that underpinned the services provided. Documentation reviewed was of a high standard and clearly identified actions needed and responsibilities.
• The whole practice team constantly evaluated how safety systems could be improved and implemented additional safety netting systems to minimise risk.

Whilst we found no breaches of regulations, the provider should:

• Ensure practice nurses receive level three safeguarding training in line with recently updated guidance.

Details of our findings and the evidence supporting our ratings are set out in the evidence tables.

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

Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Hunts Cross Medical Centre on 21 January 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 and untoward incidents.
• Staff understood and fulfilled their responsibilities to raise concerns and to report incidents and near misses. Risks to patients were assessed and well managed.
• Patients’ needs were assessed and care was planned and delivered following best practice guidance. Staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to deliver effective care and treatment.

• Patients were treated with care, compassion, dignity and respect and they were involved in their care and decisions about their treatment. They were given time at appointments and full explanations of their treatment. They valued their practice and felt confident with the skills and abilities of staff.

• The practice proactively sought feedback from staff and patients, which it acted on. For example the proposals to house its own pharmacy within the new build.
• The practice worked well with the patient participation group (PPG).
• Patients said they could usually get an appointment with a named GP and that there was continuity of care. Working patients expressed that they would like to have access to extended hours appointments for convenience.
• There was a clear leadership structure and staff felt supported by management.
• The provider was aware of and complied with the requirements of the Duty of Candour. The Regulation: Duty of Candour (Regulation 20 Health and Social care Act 2008 (Regulated activities) Regulations 2014) ensures that providers are open and transparent with people who use their services in relation to care and treatment.

There were areas of practice where the provider could make improvements. The provider should:

• Ensure patient safety and other relevant alerts and guidance are followed and actions taken are recorded.

• Add an automated external defibrillator (AED) to their emergency equipment in line with professional guidance and national standards.

• Consider the introduction of extended hours to support the needs of working patients.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice