• Doctor
  • GP practice

Birbeck Medical Group

Overall: Good read more about inspection ratings

Penrith Health Centre, Bridge Lane, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 8HW (01768) 214620

Provided and run by:
Birbeck Medical Group

Assessment report published 29 June 2026

On this page

Safe

Good

16 June 2026

We looked for evidence that staff protected people from avoidable harm and made sure care was delivered from environments that were clean and well maintained. At our last assessment, we rated this key question as good. At this assessment, the rating remains the same.

This service scored 75 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

Learning culture

Score: 3

We did not look at Learning culture during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

Safe systems, pathways and transitions

Score: 3

We did not look at Safe systems, pathways and transitions during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

Safeguarding

Score: 3

We did not look at Safeguarding during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

Involving people to manage risks

Score: 3

We did not look at Involving people to manage risks during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

Safe environments

Score: 3

The service detected and controlled potential risks in the care environment. They made sure equipment, facilities and technology supported the delivery of safe care. Staff and leaders completed health and safety risk assessments and undertook audits to ensure they had identified and addressed all risks to ensure the premises was maintained.

The service had a business continuity plan which was regularly reviewed and outlined how the service should continue to operate in the event of a disruption. Staff managed prescription stationery appropriately and securely. Medicines were stored securely and at appropriate temperatures.
 

Safe and effective staffing

Score: 3

The service made sure there were enough qualified, skilled and experienced staff, who received effective support, supervision and development. They worked together well to provide safe care that met people’s individual needs.

The service employed a range of clinical and non-clinical roles, which included GPs, nurses and paramedics. Leaders ensured staff were up to date with their training which the service had deemed mandatory and operated within their agreed areas of competence.

The service followed safe recruitment procedures when employing staff, which were in line with national legislation. This included identity checks, review of qualifications, obtaining of professional references and a criminal records check. Clinical staff we spoke to told us they had clinical supervisions and felt supported.
 

Infection prevention and control

Score: 3

The service assessed and managed the risk of infection. They detected and controlled the risk of it spreading and shared concerns with appropriate agencies promptly.

The service had cleaning schedules available, which outlined how staff should clean the building and its equipment. The service demonstrated how these were monitored for completion to maintain oversight of cleaning arrangements. During our onsite visit, the service's premises and a sample of equipment reviewed was noted to be visibly clean. The service’s infection prevention and control lead conducted regular risk assessments and audits to ensure compliance and acted where necessary to mitigate any identified risks. Staff had completed relevant training in infection prevention and control.
 

Medicines optimisation

Score: 3

We did not look at Medicines optimisation during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.