Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice
We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection of this practice on 22 June 2016. During our inspection we found a breach of legal requirements relating to systems and processes around recruitment of staff. After the comprehensive inspection, the practice wrote to us to say what they would do to meet the legal requirements set out in Regulation 19 of the Health and Social Care Act (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 Fit and proper persons employed.
We undertook this focused inspection to check that they had followed their plan and to confirm that they now met the legal requirements. This report only covers our findings in relation to those requirements and should be read in conjunction with the full report. You can read the report from our last comprehensive inspection, by selecting the 'all reports' link for Dr Nicholas & Partners on our website at www.cqc.org.uk
We found the practice had made improvements since our last inspection on 22 June 2016 and they were meeting the regulation relating to the recruitment of staff that had previously been breached. Specifically the practice was operating safe systems in relation to recruitment. This included:
- Ensuring clinical staff who had not had a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check have now had this completed. (DBS checks identify whether a person has a criminal record or is on an official list of people barred from working in roles where they may have contact with children or adults who may be vulnerable)
- Reviewing policies relating to recruitment and implementing a checklist to ensure all appropriate checks are carried out prior to new staff starting employment with the practice.
In addition, the practice now ensures the security of prescriptions forms held in printers in consulting and treatment rooms. The provider have fitted locks on printers.
We have changed the rating for this practice to reflect these changes. The practice is now rated good for the provision of safe, effective, caring, responsive and well led services.
Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP)
Chief Inspector of General Practice