Stroud Green Medical Clinic

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

Fire safety arrangements were effectively managed which included regular fire alarm testing, fire drills, regular fire door checks, servicing of fire safety equipment and annual fire risk assessment. During our site visit, we saw various fire extinguishers throughout the building, which had been serviced appropriately, and clear signs directing people to fire exits. A fire risk assessment and action plan was up to date. Appropriate steps had been taken to address the two outstanding actions; it was reported that additional funding was being sought to complete the remaining necessary works and the practice provided a timeline for completion of the two outstanding actions. All staff had completed and were up to date with fire safety training.

There were systems to ensure that electrical equipment were regularly tested, and medical equipment regularly calibrated. This is important to ensure that it provides correct readings so that patients receive appropriate treatment. We saw evidence that a legionella risk assessment had been conducted and sample analysis was carried out. Appropriate systems were in place for safe storage of blank prescription stationery, and the provider had effective systems to manage and respond to safety and medicine alerts.

The practice 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 employed a range of clinical and non-clinical roles, which included GPs, nurses and pharmacists. Leaders ensured staff were up to date with their training which the practice had deemed mandatory and operated within their agreed areas of competence. There were enough staff to provide appointments, support continuity of care and prevent staff from working excessive hours.

The practice 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. During our assessment, we reviewed a selection of 5 staff records and saw that most had the necessary documents available in line with their processes and regulatory requirements. Risk assessments were in place and gave assurance that risks had been assessed before the offer of employment.

The practice had a business continuity plan which was regularly reviewed and outlined how the practice should continue to operate in the event of a disruption.

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

The practice had cleaning schedules available and the practice demonstrated how these were monitored for completion to maintain oversight of cleaning arrangements. During our onsite visit, the practice’s premises and a sample of equipment reviewed was noted to be visibly clean.

The practice’s infection prevention and control lead conducted regular risk assessments and audits to ensure compliance and took action where necessary to mitigate any identified risks. Vaccination status was confirmed during recruitment. A review of staff records during the site visit demonstrated that staff had received the recommended vaccinations or risk assessment where appropriate. Staff had completed relevant training in infection prevention and control.

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