Ashingdon Medical Centre

Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Ashingdon Medical Centre on 3 March 2016. Overall the practice was rated as good but required improvement for providing safe services.

During our last inspection we found the provider had not ensured that all risks to patients were assessed and managed. In particular, specific risk assessments for health and safety, the control of substances hazardous to health and legionella. The provider was asked to remedy these and a requirement notice for these improvements was issued.

We also asked the provider to improve their identification of patients who were carers.

Following the inspection an action plan was put in place by the practice to ensure the timely progression and resolution of the concerns highlighted.

On 21 October 2016 we conducted a desk top review and found;

• The practice had revised their environmental risk assessment. This included an assessment of a broad range of risks such as hazardous substances, slips and trips, moving and handling and the management of clinical waste. All areas had identified actions, these had been assigned to a named individual, dates for completion set, progress reports provided or confirmation that the actions had been completed.
• The practice had revised their legionella assessment in March 2016 (Legionella is a term for a particular bacterium which can contaminate water systems in buildings).
• We found the practice had introduced a carer’s champion. The practice had spoken to their staff to increase their awareness of carers and the services available to them. The Healthcare assistant ensured all patients were asked if they were a carer as part of their new patient check. All identified carer’s had been invited to receive their influenza vaccination and had accepted.

We were satisfied that the practice had made the required improvements.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice

Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Ashingdon Medical Centre on 3 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 an effective system in place for reporting and recording significant events.
• 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.
• Data showed patients outcomes were above national averages in all areas.
• 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.
• Patients said they found it easy to make an appointment with a named GP and that there was continuity of care, with urgent appointments available the same day.
• 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 patient participation group was active.
• The provider was aware of and complied with the requirements of the Duty of Candour.
• Risks to patients were not all assessed and well managed.

The areas where the provider must make improvement are:

• Conduct practice specific risk assessments for health and safety and legionella.

In addition the provider should:

• Encourage the identification of patients who are carers.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice