Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Rood End Medical Centre on 4 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.
• Results from the national GP patient survey showed patients were treated with compassion, dignity and respect and were involved in their care and decisions about their treatment.
• Information about services and how to complain was available. Improvements were made to the quality of care as a result of complaints and concerns.
• Feedback from patients through the National Patient Survey (published July 2016) was mixed about access. Patients were happy with their experience but sometimes had difficulties in obtaining an appointment. The practice had been proactive in taking action. The number of patients had increased over the last year and appointments were monitored on an on-going basis. We received positive comments on access through our CQC comment cards.
• 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 practice was well organised.

The areas where the provider should make improvement are:

• Review systems for monitoring the cleaning of clinical equipment and storage areas for cleaning equipment.
• Ensure systems for routine checking and recording of relevant staff registration with their professional bodies are maintained ensure the information is kept up to date.
• Review systems for uncollected prescriptions.
• Review impact of changes to access on patient satisfaction and take further action as appropriate.
• Consider how uptake of national cancer screening programmes for breast and bowel cancer and uptake childhood vaccinations for 5 year olds could be improved.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice