We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Hazeldene Medical Centre on 4 and 5 July 2019 as part of our inspection programme.
We decided to undertake an inspection of this service following concerns raised about the quality and safety of the service which were shared with CQC anonymously. The concerns alleged that the practice did not provide sufficient appointments to meet patient needs safely and that the leadership did not respond effectively when concerns were raised.
The practice had also recently undergone a merger with three other previously independent practices which were now operating as satellite surgeries. This was a major change which influenced our decision to carry out a comprehensive inspection. This inspection looked at the following key questions:
- Are services safe
- Are services effective
- Are services caring
- Are services responsive
- Are servies well-led
We based our judgement of the quality of care at this service on a combination of:
- what we found when we inspected (we visited all four surgeries over two days)
- information from our ongoing monitoring of data about services and
- information from the provider, patients, the public and other organisations.
We have rated this practice as good overall and good for all population groups.
We found that:
- The practice provided care in a way that kept patients safe and protected them from avoidable harm.
- Patients received effective care and treatment that met their needs.
- Staff dealt with patients with kindness and respect and involved them in decisions about their care.
- The practice organised and delivered services to meet patients’ needs. Patients could access care and treatment in a timely way.
- The way the practice was led and managed promoted the delivery of high-quality, person-centre care.
Whilst we found no breaches of regulations, the provider should:
- Continue to review patient demand and supply of appointments to ensure there are sufficient appointments with the appropriate clinicians across the four sites to meet patient needs.
- Review and raise staff awareness of the practice’s registration policy and process in relation to patients without a fixed address.
Details of findings and the evidence supporting our ratings is set out in the evidence table.
Dr Rosie Benneyworth BM BS BMedSci MRCGP
Chief Inspector of Primary Medical Services and Integrated Care