Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Kings Langley Surgery on 8 June 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.
• 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 were positive about the standard of care they received and about staff behaviours. They said staff were dedicated, pleasant and caring and that their privacy and dignity was respected.
• 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 with a named GP 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. The practice 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.

The areas where the provider should make improvements are:

• Ensure that practice meetings are documented.
• Ensure the infection control lead completes regular update training.
• Ensure that an updated and comprehensive fire risk assessment is completed.
• Take steps to ensure that hot water temperatures at the practice are kept within the required levels.
• Ensure that all staff employed are supported by receiving appropriate supervision and appraisal and are completing the essential training relevant to their roles, including basic life support training.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice