Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice
We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at The Stonedean Practice on 1 February 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.
- Staff assessed patients’ needs and delivered care in line with current evidence based guidance. Staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to deliver effective care and treatment.
- 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.
- Patients said they found it easy to make an appointment with a named GP and that there was continuity of care, with urgent appointments available the same day.
- Access to the service was monitored to ensure it met the needs of patients. Outreach clinics were held for a local village to enable elderly and vulnerable patients to receive care and services.
- 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:
- To ensure the business continuity plan accurately reflects planned actions to be taken in the event of practice closure or inaccessibility.
- Ensure that evidence of appropriate disclosure and barring service checks for staff are readily accessible.
Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP)
Chief Inspector of General Practice