Archived: The Laurels Surgery Also known as Dr Butcher and Partners

Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at The Laurels Surgery on 11 August 2015. Overall the practice is rated as good.

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

• Documentation regarding complaints and safety incidents was recorded, monitored, reviewed annually, and actions were taken. Learning from complaints and incidents were shared and evidenced in practice meeting minutes.
• Safety risks to patients and staff were assessed and dealt with, although we did note a review of risk assessments to understand any trends or recurrent themes within the practice had not been carried out.
• Care was planned and assessments of patients’ needs followed best practice guidance.
• Staff had received training appropriate for their roles and further training was planned.
• Patients said they were treated with compassion, dignity and respect and they were involved in their care and decisions about their treatment.
• Information was available about practice services and how to complain.
• Infection control procedures were completed to a satisfactory standard although documentation and staff guidance was not up to date. We observed reception staff did not follow the practice policy to use disposable gloves when handling specimens.
• The practice had up to date fire risk assessments and fire equipment but did not carry out fire drills to ensure staff knew how to act and keep people safe in the event of a fire.
• Patients said making an appointment with a named GP was relatively straightforward and that there was continuity of care. Urgent appointments were available on the same day requested.
• The practice had good facilities and was well equipped to treat patients and meet their needs. This included a lift to the first floor of the premises to access consultation rooms for patients.
• 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.

However there were areas of practice where the provider needs to make improvements.

Importantly the provider should

• Review of safety risks to patients and staff to understand any trends or recurrent themes within the practice.
• Review and bring up to date infection control policies, guidance, and procedures.
• Carry out fire drills to ensure staff know how to act and keep people safe in the event of a fire.
• Ensure reception staff use disposable gloves when handling specimens for the laboratory.

Professor Steve Field CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP

Chief Inspector of General Practice

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice