Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Lucas Avenue Practice on 25 May 2017. 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 a system in place for reporting and recording significant events.
• The practice had clearly defined and embedded systems to minimise risks to patient safety.
• Staff were aware of current evidence based guidance. Staff had been trained to provide them with the skills and knowledge to deliver effective care and treatment.
• There were currently no published results from the national GP patient survey. However the practice had undertaken their own patient survey which showed that patients were satisfied with the service provided.
• Information about services and how to complain was available. Improvements were made to the quality of care as a result of complaints and concerns.
• Patients we spoke with 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 proactively sought feedback from staff and patients, which it acted on.
• The provider was aware of the requirements of the duty of candour. Examples we reviewed showed the practice complied with these requirements.

The areas where the provider should make improvement are:

• To review how patients with caring responsibilities are identified and recorded on the patient record system to ensure information, advice and support is made available to all.
• Ensure that recruitment files are in one place and format and easily accessible.

Professor Steve Field CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP 

Chief Inspector of General Practice