Archived: The Medical Centre

Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out a comprehensive inspection of The Medical Centre on 2 June 2015

Overall, we rated the practice as good. Specifically, we found the practice was good for providing caring, effective, responsive services and well led services. However, improvements are required to ensure safe services are provided.

Our key findings were as follows:

• Feedback from patients was positive; they told us staff treated them with respect and kindness;
• Patients reported good access to the practice. The proportion of patients who were able to get an appointment when they wanted was above average (78% compared to the national average of 73%);
• Patients we spoke with told us they felt they had sufficient time during their appointment;
• Patients’ needs were assessed and care was planned and delivered following best practice guidance;
• Staff understood and fulfilled their responsibilities to raise concerns, and to report incidents and near misses. Information about safety was recorded, monitored, reviewed and addressed;
• There was a clear leadership structure and staff felt supported by the management team. The practice actively sought feedback from patients;
• The practice was clean and hygienic, and good infection control arrangements were in place.

There were some areas of practice where the provider needs to make improvements.

Importantly, the provider must:

• Ensure relevant recruitment checks are carried out on new staff;
• Ensure staff receive training relevant to their role, including fire safety and infection control.

In addition the provider should:

• Review the business continuity plan to ensure it reflects current arrangements;
• Take steps to monitor equipment to ensure it is in date and suitable for use;
• Maintain clear records on prescription stationery stock, in line with guidance from NHS Protect.

Professor Steve Field CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP 

Chief Inspector of General Practice