Archived: Dr Francis James Thomas Howie Also known as Ore Village Medical Partnership

At this inspection we reviewed the training records of all staff and discussed this with the practice manager. We saw, from staff training certificates, that every member of staff had completed safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults training. We found that the GP was the dedicated lead in safeguarding for the practice. Review of his training showed that he had received level three training. All clinical staff had received level one training or above. All staff, which included the cleaner, had received basic training in this subject.

We found quality assurance and quality monitoring systems had improved and the practice manager had made improvements to the recording of concerns regarding patients within their individual patient record.

We spoke with five patients who had attended the practice on the day of the inspection. We spoke with a locum GP, a receptionist and the practice manager. Following the inspection visit we talked with the consultant nurse practitioner on the telephone. Patients told us that when they accessed the clinical staff they were happy with the care they were given. One patient told us that getting an appointment was 'really difficult' and two others said that appointments often ran late. Patients told us that their privacy and dignity was well respected, they had time to discuss their health care issue. Comments received included, 'I have always been very satisfied, all staff are very good,' and 'I am very happy with the service, staff are so helpful.'

We looked at the processes that the practice had in place to ensure the patients were protected from abuse. These processes had not ensured that all staff received appropriate training on all safeguarding issues. Staff spoken with understood that any suspicion of abuse needed to be reported but were not clear on processes.

Staff told us that they had training and development opportunities and told us they were well supported by the provider. However, there was no established training programme. The practice had some procedures in place to review the quality of the service provided. These processes had not ensured information provided was used effectively to improve the service.