Wood Lane Medical Centre

Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Wood Lane Medical Centre on 19 January 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 in place for reporting and recording and sharing learning from significant events.
• The practice offered extended hours on two evenings and one morning per week and was open one Saturday per month for patients who could not attend the practice during normal working hours.
• The practice had clearly defined and embedded systems to minimise risks to patient safety, however fire drills were not carried out.
• Staff 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.
• 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 with said they found it easy to make an appointment with a named GP and there was continuity of care, with urgent appointments available the same day.
• The practice had good facilities and was well equipped to treat patients and meet their needs.
• There was a clear leadership structure and staff felt supported by the partners and management.
• The practice proactively sought feedback from staff and patients, which it acted on. There was an active patient participation group.
• The provider was aware of the requirements of the duty of candour. Examples we reviewed showed the practice complied with these requirements.
• The practice provided minor surgery and gynaecological services for patient from local practices.

The areas where the provider should make improvement are:

• Review systems for identifying and recording carers to ensure appropriate support is provided to them.

• Follow through with plans for the external legionella risk assessment.

• Review fire safety systems to include regular fire drills.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice