Ashton Medical Centre

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 staff protected people from avoidable harm and made sure care was delivered from environments that were clean and well maintained. At our last assessment, we rated this key question as good. At this assessment, the rating remains the same.

This service scored 75 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

We did not look at Learning culture during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

We did not look at Safe systems, pathways and transitions during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

We did not look at Safeguarding during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

We did not look at Involving people to manage risks during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

The service detected and controlled potential risks in the care environment. They made sure equipment, facilities and technology supported the delivery of safe care.

The service had contracts to ensure the premises was maintained. Staff and leaders completed health and safety risk assessments and undertook audits to ensure they had identified and addressed all risks. The service had a business continuity plan which was regularly reviewed and outlined how the service should continue to operate in the event of a disruption. Regular checks were carried out on medical emergency medicines, oxygen and the defibrillator.

We found appropriate fire safety checks were in place including regular testing of the fire alarms and the practice completed biannual fire drills. All fire safety equipment had been regularly serviced.

The service made sure there were enough qualified, skilled and experienced staff, who received effective support, supervision and development. They worked together well to provide safe care that met people’s individual needs.

The practice had systems to ensure there were enough staff to meet patient needs. Staffing levels were monitored centrally and reviewed regularly, and arrangements were in place to cover annual leave and sickness. Staff completed mandatory training relevant to their role.

The service followed safe recruitment procedures when employing staff, which were in line with national legislation. This included identity checks, review of qualifications, obtaining of professional references and a criminal records check.

The practice reported high staff retention, with many clinical and non-clinical staff having worked at the practice for a significant period. Leaders told us this supported continuity of care and helped staff develop a good understanding of their patient population.

The service assessed and managed the risk of infection. They detected and controlled the risk of it spreading and shared concerns with appropriate agencies promptly.

We found effective systems were in place to prevent and control infection. The premises were visibly clean, and cleaning schedules were in place. Staff had access to handwashing facilities, PPE and clinical waste disposal systems. Sharps bins were managed safely, and infection control audits were completed regularly, with actions monitored and completed. Infection control training formed part of staff induction and ongoing training. Legionella risk assessments and water temperature checks were also completed.

We did not look at Medicines optimisation during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.