We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at The Birches Medical Centre on 10 April 2018 as part of our inspection programme.

The key questions are rated as:

Are services safe? – Good

Are services effective? – Good

Are services caring? – Good

Are services responsive? – Good

Are services well-led? - Good

At this inspection we found:

• The practice had clear systems to manage risk so that safety incidents were less likely to happen. When incidents did happen, the practice learned from them and improved their processes.
• The practice routinely reviewed the effectiveness and appropriateness of the care it provided through regular clinical audits and reviews of the service delivered. It ensured that care and treatment was delivered according to evidence- based guidelines.
• Staff met regularly to discuss patient care and practice related issues. Some records of the meetings held were very brief.
• Medicines were well managed and prescriptions were stored securely.
• Staff involved and treated patients with compassion, kindness, dignity and respect.
• Some patients found it difficult to get through to the practice by phone to book an appointment.
• There was a strong focus on continuous learning and improvement at all levels of the organisation.

The areas where the provider should make improvements are:

• Curtains used in clinical rooms should be washed at least every six months and records kept of this activity.
• Meeting notes should include more detailed information to keep staff informed about matters discussed and to ensure issues identified were followed-up and monitored.

Professor Steve Field CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP
Chief Inspector of General Practice