Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Pikes Lane Centre on 11 July 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 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.
• Results from the national GP patient survey showed patients were treated with compassion, dignity and respect.
• 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 a pre bookable and on the day appointment with a GP.
• Feedback from patients about their care was consistently and strongly positive.
• 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.

We saw one area of outstanding practice:

• The practice monitored vulnerable and at risk patients. The practice nurse would make contact with or visit patients on a monthly basis to check on their wellbeing, especially where the patient had not contacted the surgery for medication or an appointment.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice