Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice
We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Stanley Corner Medical Centre on 8 March 2016. Overall the practice is rated as good.
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. The provider was aware of and complied with the requirements of the duty of candour.
- Risks to patients were assessed and well managed.
- Staff assessed patients’ needs and delivered care in line with current evidence based guidance. Staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to deliver effective care. There was a strong emphasis on health promotion and prevention. The practice ensured staff had access to relevant training and learning opportunities to maintain their skills.
- Patients said they were treated with compassion and respect and they were involved in decisions about their treatment.
- Information about services and how to complain was available and easy to understand. Improvements were made to the quality of care as a result of complaints and concerns and affected patients received an apology.
- Most patients we spoke with said they found it easy to make an appointment. Urgent appointments were available the same day. The practice promoted continuity of care for patients with long term conditions, older patients and those in vulnerable circumstances.
- There was a clear leadership structure and staff felt supported by management. The practice had a strategic approach to managing long-term conditions and reviewing its performance. The practice proactively sought feedback from staff and patients, which it acted on.
The areas where the provider should make improvement are:
- The premises were generally well maintained and pleasant. However, the first floor waiting room was quite bare with poor quality seating. This should be improved at an appropriate opportunity.
We saw one area of outstanding practice:
- The practice had a good track record in encouraging eligible patients to have their annual flu immunisation. The practice organised an annual 'flu jab' open day. Information about the day was displayed in the practice and elsewhere locally. On the day, the practice staff wore custom designed t-shirts, and put up posters, displays and laid on refreshments to publicise the event and catch patients' attention. Staff described it as a fun, informal event with a positive purpose.
Professor Steve Field CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP
Chief Inspector of General Practice