This practice is rated as requires improvement overall. (Previous rating 06/2015 – Good)
The key questions are rated as:
Are services safe? – Requires improvement
Are services effective? – Good
Are services caring? – Good
Are services responsive? – Good
Are services well-led? - Requires improvement
We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Dr Singh’s Surgery on 5 June 2018 as part of our inspection programme.
At this inspection we found:
- There were risk assessments in relation to some safety issues. However, there was a lack of understanding about the practice areas of responsibility in relation to fire safety, infection prevention and control, and health and safety matters.
- The practice had some systems to manage risk so that safety incidents were less likely to happen. When incidents did happen, the practice learned from them and improved their processes.
- The practice had some systems for appropriate and safe handling of medicines. However, the systems for managing high risk medicines, safety alerts and uncollected repeat prescriptions needed to be addressed.
- The practice routinely reviewed the effectiveness and appropriateness of the care it provided. It ensured that care and treatment was delivered according to evidence-based guidelines.
- Staff involved and treated patients with compassion, kindness, dignity and respect.
- Most patients found the appointment system easy to use and could access care when they needed it, although some patients reported difficulties accessing the practice via telephone and poor interactions with reception staff. The practice was aware of this feedback and were taking action to improve the service.
- The practice took account of the National GP patient survey data, but they did not proactively involve patients and the public to support good quality sustainable services.
- There was a focus on continuous learning and improvement at all levels of the organisation. However, there was a lack of management oversight in managing risks relating to health and safety matters.
The areas where the provider must make improvements as they are in breach of regulations are:
- Ensure care and treatment is provided in a safe way to patients.
- Establish effective systems and processes to ensure good governance in accordance with the fundamental standards of care.
The areas where the provider should make improvements are:
- Review and improve reception staff training for their role in the management of patients with severe infections such as sepsis, and customer service skills.
- Review and improve uptake rates for cervical, breast and bowel cancer screening.
- Improve the numbers of patients identified as carers.
- Review and improve patient engagement and satisfaction with the service.
- Develop supporting business plans to achieve practice priorities and share the vision with staff.
Professor Steve Field CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP
Chief Inspector of General Practice