Archived: Epping Close Surgery

Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Epping Close Surgery on 19 July 2017. Overall, the practice is rated as good.

Our key findings across all the areas we inspected were as follows:

• Staff members knew how to raise concerns, and report safety incidents.
• Safety information was appropriately recorded; and learning was identified and shared with all staff.
• The infection control policy met national guidance.
• Risks to patients and staff were assessed, documented and acted on appropriately.
• The practice had arrangements and processes to keep adults and children safe and safeguarded from abuse.
• Staff assessed patient care in line with current evidence based guidance.
• Staff showed they had the skills, knowledge, and experience to deliver effective care and treatment.
• Clinical audits were undertaken and we saw two completed cycles enabling improvements to be measured.
• Patients said they were treated with compassion, dignity, respect, and involved in their care and treatment decisions.
• Information about the practice services and how to complain was available in the waiting room, and on the practice website in easy to understand formats.
• The practice was aware of and complied with the requirements of the duty of candour when dealing with complaints and significant events in an open and honest manner.
• Patient satisfaction results published in the July 2017 national GP patient survey reflected that patients were not satisfied with the practice across a number of areas measured.
• The practice facilities, and equipment was appropriate to treat and meet patient’s needs.
• There was a clear leadership structure and in addition, staff members felt supported by the GPs and practice management team.

The areas where the provider must make improvements are:

• Ensure improvement is made to patient satisfaction in the areas identified in the July 2017 national GP patient survey.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice