3 December
During a routine inspection
Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice
We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Earlston Medical Centre on 3 December 2015. 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.
- 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 the requirements of the Duty of Candour.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements and they should:
- Ensure where an incident had occurred that actions are monitored to ensure completion and that detailed feedback is given to patients.
Professor Steve Field CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP
Chief Inspector of General Practice