Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice
We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Langworthy Medical Practice on 02 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.
- Risks to patients were assessed and well managed.
- 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.
- Some 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 provider was aware of and complied with the requirements of the Duty of Candour. Duty of Candour ensures that providers are open and transparent with people who use their services.
We saw several areas of outstanding practice:
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The practice had close links with the Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and referred patients to the service and arranged for home visits to improve fire safety.
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The practice had developed an ‘MOT’ template (a system that asks a series of questions to assess the health of a patient) for patients with vascular conditions which helped improve the long term conditions management process for patients.
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The practice held a Christmas party for vulnerable and elderly patients. The practice provided a hot meal, entertainment and ensured all patients received a present.
The areas where the provider should make improvements are:
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Prioritise the summarising of medical records, and review the way in which the back log is organised to allow better access to finding a specific medical record.
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Risk assess the medical record storage room in relation to health and safety.
Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP)
Chief Inspector of General Practice