7 July 2014
During a routine inspection
Dr Faith Holdsworth is a GP surgery with approximately 4,200 registered patients situated in Faringdon Oxfordshire. The practice provides a range of services for patients, which include clinics to manage long term conditions, minor surgery, family planning and child health.
The majority of patients we spoke with or received comments from, gave positive feedback about the practice and staff. We also spoke with the practice manager, a practice nurse, a health care assistant (HCA) and administrative staff. In addition to the senior GP partner, patients are supported by two salaried GPs, two practice nurses, a health care assistant/phlebotomist and a phlebotomist. Clinical staff are supported by a practice management team, administration and dispensary staff.
Although a safeguarding policy was in place for children and young people, there was no policy for safeguarding adults. Staff had not received specific safeguarding training and some did not fully understand the concept of safeguarding. Systems were not always in place to ensure patients were protected from the risks associated with medicines. Suitable arrangements were not in place for staff to receive appropriate appraisal. Recruitment procedures were not in operation. There was a lack of appropriate checks and a lack of risk assessment to determine if staff required a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. There was a lack of systems designed to enable assessment and monitoring of the quality of the services. The practice had not actively sought feedback from patients and regular audits had not been completed to check the quality of the service provided.
Patients were treated with dignity and respect. All of the patients we spoke with reported that they felt supported and well cared for. Staff demonstrated a compassionate and caring attitude and had built relationships with their patients.
We found that the practice was not meeting five of the Regulations in relation to; supporting workers, management of medicines, safeguarding patients from abuse, requirements relating to workers and assessing and monitoring the quality of service provision.
The practice provided for the needs of older patients through home visits and influenza vaccinations. Patients with long term conditions were provided for by a number of clinics aimed specifically at their needs. Mothers, babies and young children receive services including child health screening and immunisation. The needs of working age patients were recognised. A range of suitable appointments were available and telephone advice could be offered. Counselling was provided at the practice for patients with poor mental health.
Please note that when referring to information throughout this report, for example any reference to the Quality and Outcomes Framework data, this relates to the most recent information available to the CQC at that time.
For this inspection we visited Dr Faith Holdsworth, The Farringdon Medical Centre, Volunteer Way, Faringdon, Oxfordshire, SN7 7YU.