The Care Quality Commission
  • Doctor
  • GP practice

Fernbank Surgery Also known as Dr Ellwood and Partners

Overall: Good read more about inspection ratings

Victoria Street, Lytham St Annes, Lancashire, FY8 5DZ (01253) 957200

Provided and run by:
Fernbank 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 Fernbank 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 Fernbank Surgery, you can give feedback on this service.

7 August 2019

During an annual regulatory review

We reviewed the information available to us about Fernbank Surgery on 7 August 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.

7th April 2016

During a routine inspection

Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Fernbank Surgery, Lytham St Annes on 7 April 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.
  • 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 and treatment.
  • Patients said they were treated with compassion, dignity and respect and they were involved in their care and decisions about their treatment.
  • Information about services and how to complain was available and easy to understand.

  • Thorough recruitment procedures were carried out before staff were employed.

  • Patients said they found it easy to make an appointment with a named GP and that 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. The practice proactively sought feedback from staff and patients, which it acted on.
  • The provider was aware of and complied with the requirements of the Duty of Candour.

There were two areas of outstanding practise:

  • One of the GPs  chaired the local neighbourhood meeting. This included benchmarking referrals against other practices and reviewing all local data for trends and actions required.
  • We looked at two clinical audits completed in the last two years. These were completed audits where the improvements made were implemented and monitored.Findings were used by the practice to improve services. For example, an audit of gestational diabetes led to a review of NICE guidance being followed in the practice and annual follow up reviews for patients.

The areas where the provider should make improvements :

  • Consider producing easy to read information leaflets for people with learning disabilities

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice