Archived: Dr A Karim's Practice

Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Dr A Karim's Practice, also known as Ladygate Lane Surgery, on 9 March 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 a system in place for reporting and recording significant events. However, complaints relating to clinical incidents were not investigated as significant events.
• Most risks to patients were assessed and well managed, with the exception of those relating to prescribing high risk medicines.
• 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.
• Information about services and how to complain was available and easy to understand.
• Data from the national GP patient survey showed that patient satisfaction with accessing care was mostly below average. Although, patients we spoke to said they found it easy to make an appointment and there was continuity of care, with urgent appointments available the same day. The practice had taken action to improve access to care and treatment.
• 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 practice proactively sought feedback from staff and patients, which it acted on.
• The provider was aware of and complied with the requirements of the Duty of Candour.

The areas where the provider should make improvements are:

• Review the protocols for managing patients on high risk medicines and ensure adequate safety checks are undertaken prior to prescribing these medicines.
• Review exception reporting data and recall procedures to improve the management of patients with long-term conditions.
• Ensure there is a system in place to monitor the use of prescription pads.
• Ensure the practice actively identifies and supports patients who are also carers.
• Review patient feedback, particularly from the national GP patient survey.
• Advertise that translation services are available to patients on request.
• Ensure staff are aware of the vision and strategy for the practice

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice