Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We undertook a comprehensive inspection of Wonersh Surgery on the 14 October 2014.

The practice has an overall rating of good. Although some aspects of the practice required improvement.

Our key findings were as follows:

• All practice staff work to provide the best clinical care with significant emphasis in protecting the continuity of care for patients.
• Patient feedback about the practice and the care and treatment they received was very positive. A high percentage of patients felt they are treated with dignity and respect. This was evidenced from the national GP survey, the practice survey taken in 2014 and from patients we spoke with on the day of inspection.
• There are a range of appointments to suit most patients’ needs. However, some patients reported difficulty in calling the practice to book appointments, accessing appointments on the same day or with their preferred GP.
• The practice is clean and tidy, with appropriate monitoring to minimise the risk of infections.
• Patients are well supported to manage their long term medical conditions. Patients with complex needs, living in care homes and those over 75 years have personalised care plans to facilitate a continuity of care and support from all health professionals.

We saw several areas of outstanding practice including:

• GPs who work in the practice regularly attend child protection case meetings and have continued engagement with local authority safeguarding teams.
• Patients with palliative care needs are supported using the Gold Standards Framework. The GPs of the practice often move beyond the requirements of the framework to support patients.

However, there were also areas of practice where the provider needs to make improvements. 

Importantly, the provider should:

• Undertake health checks for all patients with a learning disability on their practice register.
• Review the disposal of sharps waste in the practice to ensure this meets with national waste regulations.
• Share successes and positive feedback from patients with staff.
• Provide feedback to patients who have made suggestions for improvements.
• Develop a strategic plan for the practice to include a focus in improving the operational leadership and enable the practice to remain efficient and responsive to patients’ needs.
• Review their appointments system and telephone access to the practice in order to improve the patient experience.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice