Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Maple View Medical Practice on 14 October 2015. Overall the practice is rated as good.

Our key findings were as follows:

• Staff understood and fulfilled their responsibilities to raise concerns and to report incidents and near misses. Information about safety was recorded, monitored, appropriately reviewed and addressed. For example significant events were discussed on the day with the lead GP and a formal meeting was arranged following this.

• Patients’ needs were assessed and care was planned and delivered following best practice guidance. For example the practice worked closely with YMCA to ensure that vulnerable adults were protected and safe.

• 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 management team were particularly focussed on training and development. The practice management team had introduced workbooks to help all staff in this area.

• Risks to patients were assessed and well managed.

• Patients described staff as kind, caring and considerate.

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

Importantly the provider should:

• Ensure complaints documentation is easily accessible to patients

• Consider ways to improve patient experience in areas highlighted in the national patient survey

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice