Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Newholme Surgery on 11 July 2017. Overall the practice is rated as good. Our key findings across all the areas we inspected were as follows:

• Staff understood and fulfilled their responsibilities to raise concerns and report incidents and near misses. Significant events had been investigated and action had been taken as a result of the learning from events.

• Systems were in place to deal with medical emergencies and all staff were trained in basic life support.

• There were systems in place to reduce risks to patient safety. For example, infection control practices were carried out appropriately and there were regular checks on the environment and on equipment used.

• Staff assessed patients’ needs and delivered care in line with current evidence based guidance.

• Feedback from patients about the care and treatment they received from clinicians was positive.

• Data showed that outcomes for patients at this practice were similar to outcomes for patients locally and nationally.

• Staff had been trained to provide them with the skills, knowledge and experience to deliver effective care and treatment.

• Patients told us they were treated with dignity and respect and they were involved in decisions about their care and treatment.

• Patients said they found it easy to make an appointment and there was good continuity of care.

• The appointments system was flexible to accommodate the needs of patients. Urgent appointments were available the same day and routine appointments could be booked in advance.

• The practice had good facilities, including disabled access. It was well equipped to treat patients and meet their needs.

• Information about services and how to complain was available. Complaints had been investigated and responded to in a timely manner.

• There was a clear leadership and staff structure and staff understood their roles and responsibilities.

• The practice provided a range of enhanced services to meet the needs of the local population.

Areas where the provider should make improvement:

• Ensure all required information is maintained for each member of staff.

• Continue to develop the Patient Participation Group.

• Ensure records of meetings are appropriately maintained.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice