Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice
We previously carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Hollinswood and Priorslee Medical Practice on 4 February 2016. The overall rating for the practice was Good, with the Well Led key question being rated as Requires Improvement. We found one breach of a legal requirement and as a result we issued a requirement notice in relation to:
- Regulation 17 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulation 2014 – Good Governance.
The full comprehensive report from the inspection on the 4 February 2016 can be found by selecting the ‘all reports’ link for Hollinswood and Priorslee Medical Practice on our website at www.cqc.org.uk.
This inspection was an announced comprehensive inspection on 6 July 2017. Overall the practice is now 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 improvements had been made to the system in place for reporting and recording significant events.
- The practice had clearly defined and embedded systems to minimise risks to patient safety.
- Staff were aware of current evidence based guidance. Staff had been trained to provide them with the skills and knowledge to deliver effective care and treatment.
- Results from the national GP patient survey showed patients were treated with compassion, dignity and respect and were involved in their care and decisions about their treatment.
- Information about services and how to complain was available.
- Patients commented that there were challenges around making appointments. Patients said they did not always know which site to attend for their appointment and were unaware of the availability of extended hours appointments two evenings a week.
- 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. Examples we reviewed showed the practice complied with these requirements.
However, there were areas of practice where the provider should make improvements.
The provider should:
- Formalise and record clinical supervision which takes place between the nurse practitioner and GP.
- Obtain a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check pertaining to the current employment for the Advanced Nurse Practitioner.
- Consider obtaining portable oxygen cylinders or a means of transporting the current cylinders around the building.
- Ensure all staff are up to date with their required training.
- Ensure that staff have access up to date policies that have been reviewed.
- Review the GP survey results and identify action to improve patient satisfaction scores for consultations and interaction with the GPs.
Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP)
Chief Inspector of General Practice