The Care Quality Commission
  • Doctor
  • GP practice

Downs Way Medical Practice

Overall: Good read more about inspection ratings

Istead Rise Surgery, Worcester Close, Istead Rise, Gravesend, Kent, DA13 9LB 0844 815 1333

Provided and run by:
Downs Way Medical Practice

All Inspections

6 July 2023

During a monthly review of our data

We carried out a review of the data available to us about Downs Way Medical Practice 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 Downs Way Medical Practice, you can give feedback on this service.

19 February 2020

During an annual regulatory review

We reviewed the information available to us about Downs Way Medical Practice on 19 February 2020. 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.

06 Sept 2016

During an inspection looking at part of the service

Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Downs Way Medical Practice on 18 February 2016. Breaches of the legal requirements were found. Following the comprehensive inspection, the practice wrote to us to tell us what they would do to meet the legal requirements in relation to the breaches.

We undertook this focussed inspection on 06 September 2016, to check that the practice had followed their plan and to confirm that they now met the legal requirements. This report only covers our findings in relation to those requirements. You can read the report from our last comprehensive inspection by selecting ‘all reports’ link for Downs Way Medical Practice on our website at www.cqc.org.uk.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice

18 February 2016

During a routine inspection

Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Downs Way Medical Practice on 18 February 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 for reporting and learning from significant events, however, not all significant events were recorded.
  • 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; however gaps in training were identified.
  • 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 comment or complain was available online however this was not readily available or on display at the practice.
  • 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 Patient Participation Group (PPG) was proactive in seeking feedback from patients which the practice took account of and where possible acted on.
  • The provider was aware of and complied with the requirements of the Duty of Candour.

However, there were areas of practice where the provider must make improvements:

  • Ensure that all events that affect the health, safety or welfare of patients are reported, reviewed and thoroughly investigated and improvements made as a result.

  • Ensure that all staff have completed appropriate mandatory and role specific training.

  • Ensure that infection control risks are assessed, monitored and mitigated at the practice.

  • Establish and operate an accessible system for identifying and receiving complaints within the practice and ensure verbal complaints are recorded with response and action taken.

In addition the provider should:

  • Ensure that all required recruitment checks are carried out and all appropriate documents maintained.

  • Take appropriate action to ensure greater confidentiality at the reception desk.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice