Archived: Avonmouth Medical Centre

Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

The Avonmouth Medical Centre is part of the Pioneer Medical Group which was formed in April 2016 from the merger of three GP practices the others being the Bradgate Surgery (rated as outstanding), and the Medical Centre Ridingleaze (previously rated as good). We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at this location The Avonmouth Medical Centre on 24 May 2017.

Overall the location is rated as outstanding.

The findings from this inspection are for the Pioneer Medical Group overall unless identified as being specific to the Avonmouth Medical Centre.

The key findings from the inspection were as follows:

• There was an open and transparent approach to safety and a system in place for reporting and recording significant events.
• The service had clearly defined and embedded systems to minimise risks to patient safety.
• The service used innovative and proactive methods to improve patient outcomes, working with other local providers to share best service. For example, the service had worked in partnership with the One Care Consortium to develop integrated IT systems across the service. They won an Innovation Award from NHS England South in 2016 for best use of technology.
• Feedback from patients from the Friends and Family Test was consistently positive.
• The service had strong and visible clinical and managerial leadership and governance arrangements.
• The service had clearly defined and embedded local and organisational systems to minimise risks to patient safety.
• Staff were aware of current evidence based guidance. Staff had been trained to provide them with the skills and knowledge to deliver effective care and treatment.
• Information about services and how to complain was available. Improvements were made to the quality of care as a result of complaints and concerns.
• The location had good facilities and was equipped to treat patients and meet their needs. The service had secured funding through the NHS England's Estates and Technology Transformation Fund to explore and develop the existing premises to ensure longevity of service in the Avonmouth area.
• There was a clear leadership structure and staff felt supported by management. The service proactively sought feedback from staff and patients, which it acted on.
• The provider was aware of the requirements of the duty of candour. Examples we reviewed showed the service complied with these requirements.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice