Archived: Modality Attwood Green Also known as The Hyman Practice

Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Modality Attwood Green on 2 March 2017. 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 was in place for reporting and recording significant events. The practice had recorded and analysed significant events to identify areas of learning, and improvements were made to prevent the risk of further occurrence.

• Arrangements were in place to safeguard children and vulnerable adults from abuse, and local requirements and policies were accessible to all staff.

• Staff spoken with 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.

• The practice had joined a corporate provider (Modality) and had applied to the CQC to ensure this was reflected in their registration. Patients we spoke with said there had been some changes to staff members and the way the service was being delivered as a result of the changes.

• Patients told us that they found it easy to make an appointment and there was continuity of care. Urgent appointments were available on the day when necessary.

• Clinical audits were carried out to demonstrate quality improvement and to improve patient care and treatment.

• Staff worked with multidisciplinary teams to understand and meet the range and complexity of patients’ needs. The new provider (Modality) held monthly clinical management meetings which were attended by the lead GP. This facilitated management of poor performance and to exchange good practice across the organisation.

• The practice was located on the second floor of a purpose built health centre. The building was accessible and lifts were available for those patients who had difficulty with their mobility.

• There was a clear leadership structure both at corporate level and at practice level and staff felt supported by management. The practice proactively sought feedback from staff and patients, which it acted on.

• Information about services and how to complain was available in various community languages. Improvements were made to the quality of care as a result of complaints and concerns.

• The provider was aware of the requirements of the duty of candour. Examples we reviewed showed the practice complied with these requirements.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice