Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice
We carried out a focused desktop inspection of Old School Medical Practice on 16 August 2016 to assess whether the practice had made the improvements in providing safe care and services.
We had previously carried out an announced comprehensive inspection of Old School Medical Practice on 19 January 2016, when we rated the practice as good overall. The practice was rated as requires improvement for providing safe care. This was because the staff had not been provided with appropriate policies and guidance to carry out their roles in a safe and effective manner. Governance systems and processes were not implemented and so monitoring and assessing the whole service in relation to risk and improvements was not evidenced. The infection prevention and control (IPC) policy was in draft and had therefore not been implemented nor was there an up to date IPC audit for both premises. In addition there were areas where the provider should make further improvements. These included embedding good record keeping in all aspects of dispensing medicines. Comprehensive standard operating procedures (SOPs) which were regularly reviewed required implementation in line with national guidance for dispensing practices. All staff who chaperoned patients required an up to date Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. The dispensary staff's competencies required formal assessment.
We asked the provider to send a report of the changes they had made to comply with the regulations; they were not meeting on the 19 January 2016. In addition we asked for an update of changes made within the dispensary and for verification of up to date DBS checks.
The practice was able to demonstrate that they were meeting the standards and had implemented all changes recommended within the dispensary. We were also provided with up to date DBS disclosures for the appropriate staff.
This report should be read in conjunction with the full inspection report dated 18 March 2016.
Our key findings across the area we inspected was as follows:
There are clearly defined and embedded systems, processes and practices to keep patients safe and safeguarded from abuse.
Staff had received up to date training in systems, processes and practices.
Risks to patients were assessed and well managed.
Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP)
Chief Inspector of General Practice