Archived: Central Hove Surgery

Central Hove Surgery is situated in an urban area to the West of Brighton. It provides primary medical services to approximately 5232 patients who reside in the local area. The practice is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to provide diagnostics and screening, treatment of disease, disorder and injury and maternity and midwifery services to its patients.

We spoke with eight patients on the day of inspection and received other information about the views of patients from 18 comment cards provided by the CQC and left in a box in reception. We also looked at the results of patient satisfaction surveys carried out by the practice. Patients were generally complimentary about the quality of care provided by the practice. They told us staff were approachable, kind and caring. They told us they felt staff always acted professionally. Patients told us they felt fully involved in their care and were provided with sufficient information to make informed choices about their care and treatment.

The premises had been adapted for use by the practice. All of the consultation rooms were on the ground floor with level access. There were wheelchair accessible toilets next to the waiting area. We were informed that the practice recognised that it had outgrown its current premises and had plans to move to a new local site when circumstances allowed. The practice was clean and well maintained.

Staff told us they felt well supported by management of the practice. They felt they could have a say in how the practice was run. They received appropriate training to support them in their job role. Management encouraged staff members to undertake external qualifications beyond basic requirements and recognised the benefit to the practice of having a skilled and trained workforce.

There was a detailed business and financial plan in place which provided clear indicators of the success and efficiency of the practice. The practice manager ensured that their policies and procedures were followed routinely by staff. Staff had employee handbooks and access to all documents which were reviewed and discussed during clinical and staff meetings.

During our inspection we looked at how well services were provided for specific groups of people and what good care looked like for them. The population groups we reviewed were:

• Older people

We found older patients received a good quality service that was consistent, flexible and coordinated.

• People with long term conditions

Patients with long term conditions were well supported to manage their health, care and treatment. They were signposted to sources of support and information about their condition.

• Mothers, babies, children and young people

Central Hove Surgery worked closely with other health care organisations to improve the health and wellbeing of their younger population.

• The working age population and those recently retired

The practice provided early evening appointments on one day per week to improve access to appointments for working age patients.

• People in vulnerable circumstances that may have poor access to primary care

The practice effectively assessed and monitored the practice population needs, including patients in vulnerable circumstances.

• People experiencing mental health problems

The practice worked collaboratively with local mental health organisations to provide support for patients with mental health conditions.

Site visited for inspection:

Ventnor Villas

Hove

East Sussex

BN3 3DD