Chertsey Health 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 people were protected from abuse and avoidable harm. 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.

Contracts were in place to ensure the premises was maintained, and appropriate risk assessments were in place. These were the responsibility of NHS Property Services, but we saw evidence that the provider had assurance processes in place. The practice understood the risks of fire and had effective processes in place to mitigate these risks. We observed correct signage and equipment installed at the location, and nominated staff had received appropriate fire warden training. Regular fire alarm testing and fire drills were also completed to ensure all staff understood correct evacuation procedure and routes.

Effective processes were in place to ensure the safe use and storage of paper prescriptions. Equipment and technology were well maintained and used in line with current guidance to enhance the provision of safe care. Emergency equipment including a defibrillator and a supply of medical oxygen was available at the practice. This was checked regularly by staff, and we saw signage alerting to the location correctly displayed.

The practice had a business continuity plan which was regularly reviewed and outlined how the service should continue to operate in the event of a disruption. Staff we spoke to were aware of this and understood how and when it should be implemented.

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.

A range of clinical and non-clinical staff were employed, including GPs, nurses, paramedics and pharmacists. Leaders ensured staff were up to date with training deemed mandatory by the practice and operated within their agreed areas of competence. Staff were encouraged to develop their roles through additional training and we saw examples of career progression within the practice.

Recruitment procedures were followed correctly when employing staff. This was in line with national legislation and included identity checks, review of qualifications, obtaining of professional references and a criminal records check, where indicated by the practice employment policy. Leaders ensured that there were sufficient numbers of staff employed, which included provision for cover of expected and unexpected absences. This reduced the risks associated with the use of locum staff. All new staff were provided with an induction programme specific to their role and assigned a mentor where appropriate.

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.

Cleaning schedules were available, which outlined how staff should clean the building and its equipment. The practice demonstrated how these were monitored for completion to maintain oversight of cleaning arrangements. During our onsite visit the premises and a sample of equipment reviewed was noted to be visibly clean. Waste, including sharps, was managed safely. Effective systems were in place for concerns about infection prevention and control (IPC) to be escalated and addressed appropriately.

The practice had nominated clinical IPC leads who conducted regular risk assessments and audits to ensure compliance. Action was taken where necessary to mitigate identified risks and learning from these audits was shared in clinical meetings. Staff had completed relevant training in infection prevention and control.

A sample of staff files was reviewed, and we found that recommended vaccinations had been given in line with UK Health Security Agency guidance.

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