Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

This is the report of findings from our inspection of South Park Surgery. The practice is registered with the Care Quality Commission to provide primary care services.

We undertook a planned, comprehensive inspection on 2 December 2014 at the practice location in the Waters Green Medical Centre, Macclesfield. We spoke with patients, relatives, staff and the practice management team.

The practice was rated as Good. They provided safe, effective, responsive and compassionate care that was well led and addressed the needs of the diverse population it served.

Our key findings were as follows:

• The practice had a good track record for maintaining patient safety. Effective systems were in place to ensure patients were safe from risks and harm. Incidents and significant events were identified, investigated and reported. Lessons learnt were disseminated to staff. Staff were safely recruited. Infection risks and medicines were managed safely.

• Patients spoke highly of the practice. They were very pleased with the individualised care given by all staff. They told us staff were kind and caring and treated them with dignity and respect.

• The practice provided good care to its population taking into account their health and socio economic needs. Patients were listened to and feedback was acted upon. Complaints were managed appropriately.

• People’s needs were assessed and care was planned and delivered in line with current legislation and guidance.

• The practice monitored, evaluated and improved services. They worked in collaboration with the CCG and NHS England. Staff enjoyed working for the practice and felt well supported and valued.

There were areas of practice where the provider needs to make improvements.

The provider should:

• Ensure telephone access to the surgery and appointments is improved.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice