When we inspected Alderley Edge Medical Practice we spent time at both of the surgeries which are part of the practice. We talked to six patients and to five staff at the surgeries and looked around the buildings. We also looked at how records were kept although we did not look at individual records or directly observe any patient consultations with doctors.Patients told us that they were very satisfied with the care and treatment provided by Alderley Edge Medical Practice. They said 'It is marvellous', 'I have no complaints' and 'The reception staff are all very nice.' Most patients told us that it was easy to contact the surgery and to make an appointment. At the Prestbury surgery we were told it was often possible to be seen by a doctor on the same day although at Alderley Edge one patient told us that they found the appointment system lengthy.
Patients said that they felt that the doctors spent the time they required to meet their needs ' 'The care that I have here has been very good.' 'The doctor listens to me and I get on fine with them.' Patients told us that they felt they were treated with dignity and respect.
We saw that the practice provided a number of clinics including for asthma, diabetes, and heart diseases. There were also facilities available for visiting professionals such as district nurses and other therapists. We talked to some of these professionals who spoke very positively about the practice.
We looked at the arrangements for safeguarding but did not find that these were currently robust. When we looked at the premises used by Alderley Edge Medical Practice we found them to be suitable and clean. We looked at staff records to see what precautions were taken when employing staff. We found that whilst most of the requirements had been met there were gaps in the documentation which meant that we could not always check that this was the case.