Archived: Dr KK Masson & Dr H Masson

Updated 19 February 2015

The practice known as Dr K K Masson and Dr H Masson is situated in Grays, Essex and is one of 34 GP practices in the Thurrock Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) area. The practice has a General Medical Services (GMS) contract with the NHS.

Facilities at the practice include a small car park at the rear of the premises with a dedicated parking space for the disabled. A ramp and supporting hand rails are available at the rear entrance to support patients who are wheelchair users or those who have limited mobility.

The practice has two male GPs, one practice nurse, a practice manager, an assistant practice manager and a number of reception and administration staff.

There are approximately 3200 patients registered at the practice.

GP sessions run each day in the morning and afternoon, finishing at 630pm. The practice nurse works part-time but covers a number of sessions throughout the week. The practice is closed at weekends.

The practice have opted out of providing out-of-hours services to their own patients so patients contact the emergency 111 service to obtain medical advice outside of normal surgery hours.

Updated 19 February 2015

Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

On 02 December 2014 we carried out an announced inspection of Dr K K Masson and Dr H Masson, Grays, Essex under our new approach of inspection of primary medical services.

We found that the practice was good overall across all the areas we inspected.

Our key findings were as follows:

• Practice staff were kind and caring and treated patients with dignity and respect.

• The practice was safe for both patients and staff. Robust procedures helped to identify risks and where improvements could be made

• The clinical staff at the practice provided effective consultations, care and treatment in line with recommended guidance.

• Services provided met the needs of all population groups.

• The practice had strong visible leadership and staff were involved in the vision of providing high quality healthcare.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice

Updated 19 February 2015

The practice is rated as good for the care of people with long-term conditions. Emergency processes were in place and referrals were made for patients whose health deteriorated suddenly. Telephone consultations and home visits were available when needed. The nurse provided services to ensure patients could receive support and advice in relation to their condition and had received specialist training. Their conditions were regularly monitored to ensure the care and treatment was effective. Patients were the subject of regular review and other healthcare professionals were routinely involved.

Updated 19 February 2015

The practice is rated as good for the care of families, children and young people. There was an effective system in place to monitor and report children who might be vulnerable to abuse. Targets for national childhood immunisation rates were being achieved. Staff were aware of consent and mental capacity issues in relation to teenage children. The premises were suitable for children and babies and a mother and baby changing room was available. Appointment availability met the needs of mothers and babies and children with emergencies were prioritised. Antenatal care was referred in a timely way to external healthcare professionals. Mothers we spoke with were positive about the services available to them at the practice.

Updated 19 February 2015

The practice is rated as good for the care of older people. It was responsive to their needs. Home visits and priority for appointments was available and prescriptions could be delivered to their home addresses by a local pharmacy. The practice adopted the Gold Standards Framework for the treatment of people nearing the end of their lives and requiring palliative care. Multi-disciplinary team meetings took place for elderly people with complex needs. External support was signposted and made available for them to access. Elderly patients had a named GP to receive continuity of care. Home visits and telephone consultations were available. The practice was pro-active in encouraging patients to receive flu vaccinations. Patients could obtain repeat prescriptions when they were required. Adult safeguarding procedures were in place to protect elderly vulnerable patients.

Updated 19 February 2015

The practice is rated as good for the care of working-age people (including those recently retired and students). Patients we spoke with were satisfied with the consultations, care and treatment provided. The appointment system met their needs generally, but some patients commented that there were no late evening appointments and routine appointments were not always available. Appointments could be booked on-line. Health promotion advice was readily available with the nurse and including smoking cessation, healthy eating and alcohol consumption.

Updated 19 February 2015

The practice was aware of the number of patients they had registered who were suffering from dementia and they were offered additional support. This included those with caring responsibilities. A register of dementia patients was being maintained and their condition regularly reviewed through the use of care plans. Patients were referred to specialists and then on-going monitoring of their condition took place after being discharged back to the GP. Annual health checks took place with extended appointment times if required. Patients were signposted to support organisations such as the mental health charity MIND, the community psychiatric nurse and a local service known as ‘Therapy for You’ that provided counselling and support.

Updated 19 February 2015

Double appointment times were offered to patients who were vulnerable or with learning disabilities. All patients were able to register at the practice as temporary residents, regardless of their personal circumstances, including the homeless and members of the travelling community. If necessary patients could be referred to a local walk-in centre if they could not obtain an appointment. Carers of those living in vulnerable circumstances were identified and offered support including signposting them to external agencies. Staff knew how to recognise signs of abuse in vulnerable adults and children. A lead for safeguarding monitored those patients known to be at risk of abuse. All staff had been trained in safeguarding and were aware of the different types of abuse that could occur.