We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Stratton Medical Centre on 18 June 2019 as part of our inspection programme. This was the first inspection of the practice since the new provider Ruby Country Medical Group had taken over the contract to deliver primary medical services there.
We based our judgement of the quality of care at this service on a combination of:
- what we found when we inspected
- information from our ongoing monitoring of data about services and
- information from the provider, patients, the public and other organisations.
We have rated this practice as good overall and good for all population groups.
We found that:
- The practice had a clear vision which had quality and safety as its top priority. A five-year strategy was in place, monitored and regularly reviewed and discussed with all staff and patient representatives.
- There was extensive public engagement prior to and after Ruby Country Medical Group had taken over the contract to provide GP services.
- Concerns raised at these meetings were acted on and explanations provided about the rationale for some changes in service delivery, for example the discontinuation of a phlebotomy service off site with increased appointment access at the medical centre to promote patient safety.
- Patient satisfaction was high about the care and attention they received from staff.
- The practice provided care in a way that kept patients safe and protected them from avoidable harm.
- All patient feedback highlighted improved ease of access to the appointment system after a short period of resource challenges in 2018.
- Patients received effective care and treatment that met their needs.
- Staff dealt with patients with kindness and respect and involved them in decisions about their care.
- Improvements to the premises included complete decoration and refurbishment, in particular of clinical rooms.
- The practice had reviewed and organised and delivered services to meet patients’ needs. Patients could access care and treatment in a timely way with near patient testing available on site or at two other locations run by Ruby Country Medical Group.
- The way the practice was well led and managed promoted the delivery of high-quality, person-centre care.
- There was a teaching culture, which was supportive and encouraged staff development and competencies to extend services for patients in North Cornwall and Devon.
Whilst we found no breaches of regulations, the provider should:
- Ensure nurses achieve the appropriate competencies and levels of training in safeguarding children or child protection as per intercollegiate guidance in January 2019.
- Review systems to ensure accurate information is held to facilitate overall governance of staff training.