Archived: Dr Prabir Das Gupta Also known as SPUR ROAD SURGERY

Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Dr Prabir Das Gupta’s practice on 12 January 2016. Overall the practice is rated as requires improvement.

Our key findings across all the areas we inspected were as follows:

• There was an open and transparent approach to safety and an effective system in place for reporting and recording significant events. However, learning was not consistently implemented or shared with staff.
• Some risks to patients were assessed and well managed. However, the practice had not undertaken regular infection control audits.
• Staff assessed patients’ needs and delivered care in line with current evidence based guidance. Staff had been trained to provide them with the skills, knowledge and experience to deliver effective care and treatment.
• Some patients said they were treated with compassion, dignity and respect, but the national patient survey showed that patients considered GP consultations to be worse than the national average.
• Information about services and how to complain was available and easy to understand. However, the practice did not review complaints as a whole to see if there were common themes.
• Patients said they found it easy to make an appointment with a named GP and there was continuity of care, with urgent appointments available the same day.
• The practice had good facilities and was well equipped to treat patients and meet their needs.
• There was a clear leadership structure and staff felt supported by management. However, governance systems in the practice were not always formalised.
• The provider was aware of and complied with the requirements of the duty of candour.

The areas where the provider must make improvements are:

• Ensure that findings of serious untoward events are actioned and that near misses are also recorded as serious events. Learning from events should be shared with all staff.

• Ensure that all policies and protocols are easily accessible to all staff.

• Ensure that annual infection control audits are undertaken.

• Continue to review patient feedback from the national patient survey such that results are improved.

• Ensure that all governance systems in the practice are formalised.

The areas where the provider should make improvements are:

• Consider replacing the flooring in the reception area/waiting room.

• Develop a formalised business continuity plan.

• All staff should complete basic life support annually and that clinical staff are regularly trained in the Mental Capacity Act.

• Consider reviewing how carers are identified, as the number on the practice list is relatively low.

• Consider reviewing complaints for themes and taking actions where consistent problems are highlighted.

Professor Steve Field CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP 

Chief Inspector of General Practice