Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Warmdene Surgery on 28 November 2016. 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 an effective system in place for reporting and recording significant events.
• Risks to patients were assessed, well managed and reviewed regularly.
• Staff assessed patients’ needs and delivered care in line with current evidence based guidance. Staff had been trained to provide them with the skills, knowledge and experience to deliver effective care and treatment.

• Data from the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) showed patient outcomes were at or above the average national average particularly for patients with severe and enduring mental health problems and patients diagnosed with dementia.

• The National Diabetes Audit showed the percentage of patients with type two diabetes receiving annual checks for the effectiveness of their treatment was the highest within the CCG (84% compared with 57% CCG and 59% nationally).

• Patients said they were treated with compassion, dignity and respect and they were involved in their care and decisions about their treatment.

• Information about services and how to complain was available and easy to understand. Improvements were made to the quality of care as a result of complaints and concerns.
• Patients said they found it easy to make an appointment with a named GP and there was continuity of care, with urgent appointments available the same day.
• 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 practice team was forward thinking and part of local pilot schemes and collaborative working with other local practices to improve outcomes for patients in the area.
• The provider was aware of and complied with the requirements of the duty of candour.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice

At this inspection we visited Warmdene Surgery at the County Oak Medical Centre off Cardene Road Brighton. This is a purpose built practice which is shared with another primary medical services provider. The practice provides a range of services for patients, which include clinics to manage long term conditions, family planning and child health.

We spoke with the lead GP who is also the registered manager, the practice manager, GP partners, nurses, health care workers and patients who use the practice. We also received feedback from patients in response to our comment cards left at the surgery.

Patients we spoke with gave positive feedback about the practice and staff. We reviewed the results of the last patient survey. This told us that patients were satisfied with the service they received. The practice had developed an action plan for areas that required further improvement.

The practice was actively involved with the clinical commissioning group (CCG). A GP partner was on the board of the clinical commissioning group (CCG) and the practice engaged with patients through a virtual patient participation group (PPG) influencing and shaping services to meet patient needs. The PPG is a group of active volunteer patients that work in partnership with practice staff and GPs.

Systems were in place to safeguard children and vulnerable adults. Patients were safeguarded by a structured recruitment and vetting practice.

The GP partners and practice management team were supportive and staff found them very approachable. There were good risk management measures in place.