20/10/2016
During a routine inspection
Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice
We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Dr Mark Watson on 17 October 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.
- Risks to patients were assessed and well managed.
- Staff assessed patients’ needs and delivered care in line with current evidence based guidance. Staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to deliver effective care and treatment.
- Patients said they were treated with compassion, dignity and respect and they were involved in their care and decisions about their treatment.
- Patients said they found it easy to make an appointment with a named GP and that there was continuity of care, with urgent appointments available the same day.
- Information about services and how to complain was available and easy to understand. Improvements were made to the quality of care as a result of complaints and concerns.
- The practice had good facilities and was well equipped to treat patients and meet their needs.
- There was a clear leadership structure and staff felt supported by management.
- The provider was aware of and complied with the requirements of the Duty of Candour.
The practice should make improvements in the following areas:
- Ensure learning and development of staff including regular appraisals for all staff and completion of essential training for example infection prevention and control.
- Implement a system to ensure annual health checks for patients.
- Continue to develop and ensure an active Patient Participation Group.
- Ensure a record of fire alarm testing and fire drills is maintained by the practice.
- Ensure an appropriate system is in place for the safe monitoring of blank prescriptions.
Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP)
Chief Inspector of General Practice