Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice
We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Supreme Medical Centre on the 29 November 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 a system in place for reporting and recording significant events. However, reviews and investigations were not thorough enough.
- 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. Improvements were made to the quality of care as a result of complaints and concerns.
- Patients we spoke with said they found it easy to make an appointment with a named GP 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 the requirements of the duty of candour. Examples we reviewed showed the practice complied with these requirements.
The areas where the provider should make improvement are:
-
Make arrangements to ensure appropriate security and monitoring of prescription pads.
-
Improving the uptake of the Childhood Immunisation programme.
-
Introduce a broader programme of clinical audits including re-audits to ensure that improvements are measurable.
Ensure significant events were investigated, analysed and learnings shared.Assess, monitor and improve the timing of appointments in view of the low national patient survey results for waiting times.
Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP)
Chief Inspector of General Practice