23 November 2017
During a routine inspection
Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice
This practice is rated as Good overall. (Previous inspection 7 January 2015- Good)
The key questions are rated as:
Are services safe? – Good
Are services effective? – Good
Are services caring? – Good
Are services responsive? – Good
Are services well-led? - Good
As part of our inspection process, we also look at the quality of care for specific population groups. The population groups are rated as:
Older People – Good
People with long-term conditions – Good
Families, children and young people – Good
Working age people (including those recently retired and students – Good
People whose circumstances may make them vulnerable – Good
People experiencing poor mental health (including people with dementia) - Good
We carried out an announced inspection at Somerset Gardens Family Health Care Centre
on 23 November 2017 as part of our inspection programme.
At this inspection we found:
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The practice had systems to manage risk so that safety incidents were less likely to happen. When incidents did happen, the practice improved their processes (although we noted that learning was not always shared with relevant staff members).
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Results from the national GP patient survey showed that patients’ satisfaction with how they could access care and treatment were below local and national averages. However, we saw evidence of actions taken to improve how people could access appointments and services in a way and at a time that suited them.
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The practice routinely reviewed the effectiveness and appropriateness of the care it provided. It ensured that care and treatment was delivered according to evidence- based guidelines.
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All staff were actively engaged in activities to monitor and improve quality and outcomes.
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Staff involved and treated patients with compassion, kindness, dignity and respect.
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There was a strong focus on continuous learning and improvement at all levels of the organisation.
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We saw examples of inclusive leadership.
The areas where the provider should make improvements are:
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Review how learning from significant events is shared amongst staff.
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Monitor recently introduced initiatives aimed at improving patient satisfaction on appointments access.
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Continue to monitor and improve child immunisation uptake (5 year olds).
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Ensure that appropriate arrangements are in place to monitor the risk from Legionella (a term for a particular bacterium which can contaminate water systems in buildings).
Professor Steve Field CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP
Chief Inspector of General Practice