South Hornchurch Medical Practice

On this page

• Overview
• Learning culture
• Safe systems, pathways and transitions
• Safeguarding
• Involving people to manage risks
• Safe environments
• Safe and effective staffing
• Infection prevention and control
• Medicines optimisation

We looked for evidence that people were protected from abuse and avoidable harm.

This is the first assessment for the provider following their registration with CQC in July 2021.

This service scored 69 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

The practice had effective systems to learn from incidents and improve services. Staff raised safety concerns, investigated events, and shared learning to help embed best practice. Staff told us and patients feedback demonstrated they felt supported to raise concerns. A member of the Patient Participation Group confirmed the provider took concerns seriously and acted to improve practices. Issues and learning were discussed in team meetings, which led to practice improvements and better care. Safety alerts and recalls were effectively managed.

The provider had processes in place for handling new patient information and met and worked with other agencies to deliver shared care when patients moved or were treated by different practices. Referrals and test results were managed promptly enabling the delivery of safe, coordinated care.

The practice had systems and processes in place to safeguard adults and children from abuse. Staff reviewed and maintained safeguarding registers for both children and adults. Staff were trained in safeguarding procedures and familiar with relevant policies. Any concerns were addressed in collaboration with partner organisations.

The practice had effective systems to assess, monitor, and manage patient safety risks. Staff were trained to identify deteriorating patients and respond appropriately. Patients were informed about risks related to their condition and advised on actions to take if their health worsened. Emergency equipment was available, checked and maintained, however the system to record the regular safety checks required better record keeping.

The staff detected and controlled potential risks in the environment. They made sure equipment, facilities and technology were maintained and supported the delivery of safe care. To ensure the continuity of the service, leaders had a business continuity plan which was regularly reviewed.

The leaders followed safe recruitment procedures. The leaders had systems in place to demonstrate staff had the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience for their roles. Clinical and non-clinical staff had completed mandatory training and received an annual appraisal. Clinical staff had regular consultation reviews and supervision. However, further assurance of role specific training was required for some clinical staff to ensure they were competent for their role.

The staff effectively assessed and managed infection risks. They promptly identified and controlled potential spread, sharing concerns with relevant agencies. A designated infection prevention and control lead was in place, and all staff received appropriate training. Cleaning schedules were followed, and regular audits and risk assessments were completed with actions taken to reduce risks.

The practice had robust systems for the safe and appropriate use of medicines, including optimisation. Staff followed prescribing protocols, ensuring safe practice and timely reviews., and regular prescribing audits supported continuous improvement in care. Medicines and emergency medicines were stored, administered, and recorded securely, and staff managed prescription stationery appropriately. However, a review of patient consultations for medicines reviews found some consultation notes in the patient records lacked information.