Archived: P D Medical Centre

Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at P D Medical Centre on 19 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. It was also good for providing services for all population groups. Some improvements were required for providing safe services.

• Patient safety was a priority of the practice staff and clinicians. Systems in place supported this and all staff were clear about their responsibilities, however –
• Further work was needed to update risk assessments for staff who may work in isolation and for those staff who may be required to perform chaperone duties. A risk assessment was also required on how medical emergencies could be managed without access to oxygen.
• Care and treatment of patients was effective. We found the ‘sit and wait’ system of seeing patients worked effectively as opposed to an appointment system. This had eliminated any time lost by GPs due to patients’ failure to attend appointments.
• Patients we spoke to on the day of our inspection, and information from CQC comment cards, confirmed that the practice staff and clinicians were caring and compassionate.
• The practice was responsive to patients’ needs. Access to clinicians was good and patient feedback had been considered by the practice in preparing for its merger with a neighbouring practice.
• Staff responded quickly and effectively to any safeguarding concerns in relation to young children and vulnerable adults.

However, there were also areas of practice where the provider must make improvements.

• Ensure all staff who are required to carry out chaperone duties are risk assessed on whether they should have an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) for their suitability to carry out this work.
• Ensure staff receive annual performance and appraisal review.

Additionally the provider should

• Keep appropriate records in respect of all staff training;
• Carry out risk assessments in respect of lone working and how it would manage any medical emergencies without the availability of oxygen.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice