3 February 2015
During a routine inspection
Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice
We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Dr Iqbal’s at Kensington Street Health Centre
On 3rd February 2015. Overall the practice is rated as good.
Specifically, we found the practice to be good for providing well-led, effective, caring and responsive services.
Our key findings were as follows:
- Where incidents had been identified relating to safety, staff had been made aware of the outcome and action was taken where appropriate, to keep people safe.
- All areas of the practice were visibly clean and where issues had been identified relating to infection control, action had been taken.
- Patients received care according to professional best practice clinical guidelines. The practice had regular information updates, which informed staff about new guidance to ensure they were up to date with best practice. The service ensured patients received accessible, individual care, whilst respecting their needs and wishes.
- We found there were positive working relationships between staff and other healthcare professionals involved in the delivery of service.
- Evidence we reviewed demonstrated patients were satisfied with how they were treated and this was with compassion, dignity and respect. It also demonstrated the GPs were good at listening to patients and gave them enough time.
- The service was well led and there were positive working relationships between staff and other healthcare professionals involved in the delivery of service.
We saw several areas of outstanding practice including:
- The practice opened on Saturday mornings during the winter months to help reduce hospital pressures.
- The practice had commissioned the Pharmacy First Scheme for minor ailments to ease patient access to appointments. (Patients who do not pay for their prescriptions can visit the pharmacy with specific symptoms, such as conjunctivitis, and be offered advice and appropriate medicines. This is a free service to these patients).
- The practice had also employed a pharmacist to see patients for minor ailments and give advice; the pharmacist then has access to appointments to refer patients to a GP.
- The practice was working with the local hospital to screen patients for Hepatitis B & C.
- The practice has put into place a patient involvement lead to help engage with patients at the practice.
However, there were also areas of practice where the provider needs to make improvements.
- Staff recruitment processes were not always in accordance with guidance and appropriate pre-employment checks were not always made.
Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP)
Chief Inspector of General Practice