Archived: Dr Joseph Martin Booker Also known as Torcross Medical Centre

During our previous visits, we found infection prevention and control procedures had not been carried out correctly. Also, staff had not attended relevant training. This meant patients were not protected from risk of infection.

We also found concerns with the safety and suitability of the premises and equipment. There was damage caused to the building and seating due to leaks from the roof; the practice did not have a health and safety lead to ensure health and safety measures were in place and maintained; some areas of the building were cluttered and the practice did not have an equipment maintenance log to show that equipment had been serviced and maintained regularly. This meant patients had not been protected against the risks of unsafe or unsuitable premises and equipment. Additionally, we found during our previous inspections that some patients' paper records had not been stored securely.

During this inspection, we found these concerns had been addressed. Patients we spoke with confirmed improvements had been made to the practice. We found the practice to be clean and well organised. Processes were in place to minimise the risk of infection. There were also processes in place for monitoring health and safety. Patient records were securely stored.

Good communication and referral pathways existed between the medical practice and other healthcare professionals. Patients confirmed they had been well supported throughout the referral process. Local child protection guidance was in place. Local authority guidance for adults and children was not available for staff to access.

Our inspection has identified that some of the systems identified to manage and monitor the prevention and control of infection were ineffective. Staff did not demonstrate a good knowledge of infection prevention and control.

We have identified concerns about the safety of the premises. We saw evidence that the property had been poorly maintained. We looked at how risk had been managed at the premises and found that robust risk management and identification systems were not in place. We asked that some items of resuscitation equipment be removed as they were out of date. Patient's paper records were not stored securely.

The practice had no formal arrangements in place for workforce changes, staff training or planned absences.