21 and 22 March 2017
During a routine inspection
Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice
We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Principal Medical Limited on 21 and 22 March 2017. Principal Medical Limited is a GP federation providing specific services for the majority of GP practices in Oxfordshire and also South Northamptonshire. It has been owned by GPs since being created in 2004 and is run by a variety of clinical and non-clinical staff. They deliver services via associated member GP practices by sub-contracting services or directly via employed staff. Overall the provider is rated as good.
Our key findings across all the areas we inspected were as follows:
- There was an open culture of learning and the provider enabled their services to be dynamic in their design and delivery.
- There was an open and transparent approach to safety and a system in place for reporting and recording significant events. However, due to the difficulty in gathering all staff groups for meetings at one time, sharing of outcomes was not always formalised. There was good alternative communication.
- The provider had clearly defined and embedded systems to minimise risks to patient safety.
- Staff were aware of current evidence based guidance. Staff had been trained and provided with the skills, resources 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, those who left feedback and survey data showed that the level of satisfaction among those who used the service was high. This included access to staff, communication and the quality of services received.
- The provider ensured there were the required facilities and equipment to enable staff to treat patients and meet their needs.
- There was a clear leadership structure and staff felt supported by management. The provider 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 provider complied with these requirements.
The areas where the provider should make improvement are:
- Review the processes for ensuring relevant staff receive learning outcomes from significant events.
Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP)
Chief Inspector of General Practice