Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice
We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Allerton Medical Centre on 12 April 2016. Overall the practice is rated as good for providing safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led care for all of the population groups it serves.
Our key findings across all the areas we inspected were as follows:
- Patients’ needs were assessed and care was planned and delivered following best practice 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 were involved in decisions about their care and treatment.
- Patients were positive about access to the service. They said they found it easy to make an appointment, there was continuity of care and urgent appointments were available on the same day as requested.
- The practice sought patient views on how improvements could be made to the service, through the use of patient surveys, the NHS Friends and Family Test and the patient participation group.
- There was a complaints policy and clear information available for patients who wished to make a complaint.
- Information regarding the services provided by the practice was readily available for patients.
- The practice had good facilities and was well equipped to treat and meet the needs of patients.
- There was a dedicated telephone line to support timely access to the practice by secondary care, mental health teams and care homes.
- Risks to patients were assessed and well managed. There were good governance arrangements and appropriate policies in place.
- The practice was aware of and complied with the requirements of the duty of candour. (The duty of candour is a set of specific legal requirements that providers of services must follow when things go wrong with the care and treatment of patients.)
- The partners encouraged a culture of openness and honesty, which was reflected in their approach to safety. All staff were encouraged and supported to record any incidents using the electronic reporting system. There was evidence of good investigation, learning and sharing mechanisms in place.
- There was a clear leadership structure and a stable workforce in place. Staff were aware of their roles and responsibilities and told us the GPs and manager were accessible and supportive. The practice promoted an all inclusive approach amongst staff.
- The ethos of the practice was to provide good quality services and care for their patients.
Professor Steve Field CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP
Chief Inspector of General Practice