Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice
We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Dr JI Solomon's Practice, also known as Queens Walk Medical Centre, on 3 March 2016. 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, with the exception of those relating to recruitment.
- Staff assessed patients’ needs and delivered care in line with current evidence based guidance.
- Staff had been trained to provide them with the skills, knowledge and experience to deliver effective care and treatment, although we noted not all staff had received updated training in infection control.
- 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. Improvements were made to the quality of care as a result of complaints and concerns.
- Patients said they found it easy to make an appointment and there was continuity of care, with urgent appointments available the same day.
- 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 and complied with the requirements of the duty of candour.
The areas where the provider should make improvements are:
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Ensure all staff have received appropriate training for safeguarding and infection prevention and control.
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Check all electrical equipment to ensure it is safe to use.
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Update the induction process to include the practice’s mandatory training schedule.
- Demonstrate an ongoing audit programme where continuous improvements to patient care have been made.
- Ensure the practice actively identifies and supports patients who are also carers.
- Advertise that translation services are available to patients on request.
- Keep patients and the patient participation group updated on changes made in response to feedback.
Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP)
Chief Inspector of General Practice