Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice
We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at High Street Surgery on 4 April 2016. The overall rating for the practice was requires improvement. The full comprehensive report on 4 April 2016 inspection can be found by selecting the ‘all reports’ link for High Street Surgery on our website at www.cqc.org.uk.
This inspection was an announced focused inspection carried out on 20 February 2017 to confirm that the practice had carried out their plan to meet the legal requirements in relation to the breaches in regulations that we identified in our previous inspection on 4 April 2016. This report covers our findings in relation to those requirements and also additional improvements made since our last inspection.
Overall the practice is now rated as Good.
Our key findings were as follows:
- The practice had clearly defined and embedded systems to minimise risks to patient safety.
- There was a clear leadership structure and staff felt supported by management. Staff were aware of the practice’s vision and strategy.
- Information about services was available and appropriate steps were taken to bring this to patient’s attention.
- Staff were aware of the practice’s policies and procedures to govern activity and they were followed.
At the inspection of 4 April 2016 there were some areas of practice where we said the provider should make improvements. We said the provider should:
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Ensure where the decision has been made not to apply for Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for staff, a risk assessment is carried out giving a clear rationale as to reasons why.
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Ensure patients are made aware of the availability of translation services.
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Ensure staff read all policies that apply to their job role.
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Review and update procedures and guidance in particular those that relate to appraisals, meetings and reviews of practice development needs to ensure staff learning needs are identified.
At this inspection we found the necessary improvements had been made. All staff had undergone a DBS check and a notice in reception made patients aware of translation services. Measures were in place to ensure all staff read practice policies and processes were in place to identify staff learning needs.
Professor Steve Field CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP
Chief Inspector of General Practice