3 November 2015
During a routine inspection
Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice
We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Trentside Medical Group on 3 November 2015. Overall the practice is rated as good.
Our key findings across all the areas we inspected were as follows:
- Staff understood and fulfilled their responsibilities to raise concerns, and to report incidents and near misses. Opportunities for learning were always considered and the practice adopted a candid and open approach.
- Risks to patients were assessed and well managed. This included staff and patient health and safety.
- Clinical audits had been carried out which demonstrated improved patient outcomes. One of the examples provided was a completed audit cycle.
- The majority of patients told us they were treated with compassion, dignity and respect. A wide variety of information and support services were made available to the public.
- The practice had offered extended hours appointments and had demonstrated flexibility in response to increasing patient demand. However, patient feedback indicated that further measures were required so patients could more easily access the service and appointments.
- The practice had a number of policies and procedures to govern activity. Policies were reviewed, updated and accessible by staff.
- The practice had sought feedback from patients and had an active patient participation group.
The areas where the provider should make improvement are:
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Ensure that all staff have understanding of roles and responsibilities under the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
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Ensure safeguarding training is undertaken by all clinical staff within the practice and all staff are aware of their duties and responsibilities in relation to identifying and reporting potential safeguarding concerns.
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Ensure that the use of prescription pads is monitored within the practice.
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Ensure that all staff undertaking chaperone duties receive formalised training to undertake their role.
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Records of action plans should be held when regular audits in infection control are undertaken.
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Ensure the management of staff training and record keeping in relation to the programme is strengthened.
Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP)
Chief Inspector of General Practice