Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice
This is the report of findings from our inspection of The Ash Surgery.
We undertook a comprehensive inspection on 15th April 2015. We spoke with patients, staff and the practice management team.
Overall, the practice was rated as Good. A caring, effective, responsive and well- led service was provided that met the needs of the population it served. However, improvements were needed to demonstrate the practice was recruiting staff safely and maintaining the safety of the premises and equipment.
Our key findings were as follows:
- There were systems in place to protect patients from avoidable harm, such as from the risks associated with medicines and infection control. However, improvements were needed to the recruitment of staff as the recruitment records did not demonstrate that all necessary checks were undertaken to demonstrate suitability for their roles. Improvements were also needed to the systems in place to ensure the premises and equipment were safe.
- Patients care needs were assessed and care and treatment was being considered in line with best practice national guidelines. Staff were proactive in promoting good health and referrals were made to other agencies to ensure patients received the treatments they needed.
- Feedback from patients showed they were very happy with the care given by all staff. They felt listened to, treated with dignity and respect and involved in decision making around their care and treatment.
- The practice planned its services to meet the differing needs of patients. The practice encouraged patients to give their views about the services offered and made changes as a consequence.
- Quality and performance were monitored, risks were identified and managed. Staff told us they could raise concerns, felt they were listened to, felt valued and well supported.
There were areas of practice where the provider needs to make improvements
Importantly, the provider must:
- Take action to ensure its recruitment policy, procedures and arrangements are improved to ensure necessary employment checks are in place for all staff and the required information in respect of workers is held.
- Protect patients against the risks associated with unsafe premises and equipment by ensuring that risk assessments are up to date and reviewed and that equipment is regularly checked to ensure it is operating safely.
The provider should:
- Ensure the serial numbers of all prescription pads and the clinical staff they are issued to are recorded.
- Improve the records of training to identify the training plans for individual staff and the training completed.
Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP)
Chief Inspector of General Practice