This inspection visit was undertaken by two compliance inspectors and a specialist advisor. We used a number of different methods to help us understand the experiences of patients who used the service. We observed interaction between staff and patients. We reviewed records and systems and looked at the environment and how this impacted on the service delivery. We spoke with five patients who used the service. One patient was the chairman of the practice's patient participation group. The practice manager, the practice nurse, a district nurse and district nurse manager, a medical secretary, two receptionists/medicine dispensers and the principle GP.
The appointment system in the practice had worked well for patients. Patient's care needs had been assessed; they had time to discuss their health care issues, and had been fully involved in making decisions about their care and treatment.
Policies and procedures were in place to protect vulnerable adults and children. However, not all the staff in the practice had received training to ensure they had an understanding of what constituted abuse.
Patients told us the practice was always clean. They could remember that seeing clinical staff had washed their hands before examining them or carrying out a procedure. However, we found that risks associated with cross infection had not been fully assessed.
Procedures were in place to respond to complaints and review the quality of the service provided.