The Care Quality Commission
  • Doctor
  • GP practice

Houghton Close Surgery

Overall: Good read more about inspection ratings

1 Houghton Close, Ampthill, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK45 2TG (01525) 300898

Provided and run by:
Houghton Close Surgery

All Inspections

6 July 2023

During a monthly review of our data

We carried out a review of the data available to us about Houghton Close Surgery on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.

This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.

If you have concerns about Houghton Close Surgery, you can give feedback on this service.

19 October 2019

During an annual regulatory review

We reviewed the information available to us about Houghton Close Surgery on 19 October 2019. We did not find evidence of significant changes to the quality of service being provided since the last inspection. As a result, we decided not to inspect the surgery at this time. We will continue to monitor this information about this service throughout the year and may inspect the surgery when we see evidence of potential changes.

16 August 2016

During an inspection looking at part of the service

Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We previously carried out an announced comprehensive inspection of Houghton Close Surgery on 15 January 2015. A breach of legal requirements was found. After the comprehensive inspection, the practice wrote to us and submitted an action plan outlining the actions they would take to meet legal requirements in relation to;

  • Regulation 12 Health & Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 – safe care and treatment.

From the inspection on 15 January 2015, the practice were told they must:

  • Ensure a coordinated approach to medicines management and that a system was in place to record the amount and type of vaccinations kept at the practice.
  • Ensure that staff were knowledgeable about the processes used in relation to medicines management and that the procedures they used were reviewed and up-to-date.

We undertook a focused inspection at Houghton Close Surgery on 16 August 2016 to check that they had followed their plan and to confirm that they now met legal standards and requirements. This report only covers our findings in relation to those areas found to be requiring improvement. You can read the report from our last comprehensive inspection, by selecting 'all reports' link for Houghton Close Surgery on our website at www.cqc.org.uk

We found that on the 16 August 2016 the practice now had improved systems in place and we found the following key findings:

  • Practice specific protocols and procedures had been developed to ensure the safe management of medicines within the practice and reduced risks to patients. Staff demonstrated these were followed as appropriate.
  • Systems to ensure that appropriate stock records of vaccines, emergency medicines and emergency equipment were maintained had been implemented effectively.
  • Staff we spoke with were aware of their responsibilities and those of their colleagues in relation to the safe management of medicines within the practice.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice

15 January 2015

During a routine inspection

Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced inspection of Houghton Close Surgery on 15 January 2015. This was a comprehensive inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act (2008) as part of our regulatory functions. The practice achieved an overall rating of good. This was based on four of the five domains and all six population groups we looked at achieving the same good rating.

Our key findings were as follows:

  • Patients reported good phone and online access to the practice. Appointments, including those required out of normal working hours or in an emergency were available and patients said they could access those appointments quickly.
  • Systems were in place to identify and respond to concerns about the safeguarding of adults and children.
  • We saw patients receiving respectful treatment from staff. Patients felt that their privacy and dignity was respected by courteous and helpful staff. Patients reported feeling satisfied with the care and service they received.

There were areas of practice where the provider needs to make improvements.

Importantly, the provider must:

  • Ensure a coordinated approach to medicines management and that a system is in place to record the amount and type of vaccinations kept at the practice. Ensure that staff are knowledgeable about the processes used in relation to medicines management and that the procedures they use are reviewed and up-to-date.

In addition the provider should:

  • Ensure that systems designed to assess the risk of and to prevent, detect and control the spread of infection are detailed in a comprehensive practice policy and audited appropriately. Staff should be informed and mindful of their own roles and responsibilities and those of their colleagues in relation to infection control systems and processes.
  • Ensure adequate recruitment procedures are in place including completing the required background checks on staff and that the required information is available in respect of each person employed.
  • Ensure that all staff employed are supported by receiving appropriate supervision and appraisal.
  • Ensure all administration staff are trained in areas potentially relevant to their roles, which may include details of the Mental Capacity Act (2005).
  • Ensure there is a complete annual process for the monitoring of and learning and improving from incidents and significant events.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice