Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Drs Allen and Shevket (Woodland Surgery) on 7 December 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. Information about safety was recorded, monitored and reviewed and the results shared with staff including lessons learned.
• Risks to patients were assessed and well managed. These included staff recruitment procedures, health and safety precautions, ensuring sufficient staffing was in place to meet patient needs There was adequate medical equipment and medicines available if a patient presented with a medical emergency.
• Clinical staff assessed patients’ needs and delivered care in line with current evidence based guidance. Staff had received role appropriate training to provide them with the skills, knowledge and experience to deliver effective care and treatment.
• Patient feedback we reviewed showed patients were treated with compassion, dignity and respect and they were involved in their care and decisions about their treatment. National patient survey data showed that patients consistently rated the services above local and national averages.
• Information about services and how to complain was available and easy to understand. Where necessary improvements were made to the quality of care as a result of complaints and concerns.
• All patients said they found it easy to make an appointment and there was continuity of care, with all urgent appointment requests accommodated the same day.
• The practice was well equipped to treat patients and meet their needs.
• There was a clear leadership structure and staff told us they felt supported by management. The practice proactively sought feedback from staff and patients, which it acted on.
• The provider was aware of and complied with the requirements of the duty of candour.

There was an area where the provider should make an improvement:

• Continue to identify and support carers.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice