Scorton Medical Centre

On this page

• Overview
• Learning culture
• Safe systems, pathways and transitions
• Safeguarding
• Involving people to manage risks
• Safe environments
• Safe and effective staffing
• Infection prevention and control
• Medicines optimisation

We looked for evidence people were protected from abuse and avoidable harm. 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.

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

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.

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

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.

Scorton Medical Centre detected and controlled potential risks in the care environment. They made sure equipment, facilities and technology supported the delivery of safe care.

The practice had contracts in place to ensure the premises was well maintained. Staff and leaders had completed health and safety risk assessments and undertaken audits to ensure they had identified and addressed any potential risks.

Portable appliance testing and calibration of equipment were up to date and regular fire safety checks were conducted. Most staff had completed fire awareness safety training and for those that had not, completion was being monitored and actioned.

The practice had a business continuity plan which was regularly reviewed and outlined how they would continue to operate in the event of a disruption such as loss of the building, loss of utilities or telephony, incapacity of GPs and staff, and loss of medical records.

Scorton Medical Centre 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 practice employed a range of clinical and non-clinical roles, which included 4 GPs, a Practice Manager and Assistant Practice Manager, 2 nurses, a healthcare assistant, dispensary team and reception/admin staff.

Leaders ensured staff were up to date with their mandatory training and operated within their agreed areas of competence. We found most training was up to date and that the learning needs and development of staff was managed appropriately. Where training had not been completed, there was a system in place to monitor this and ensure completion.

Staff received annual appraisals. There was a system in place to review the competencies of the Advanced Clinical Practitioners who worked alongside the GP and nursing staff at the practice to diagnose and treat patients.

Induction training was tailored to individual roles and included an overview of policies and procedures, basic infection prevention and control training, a training agreement and details of the Employee Assistance Programme the practice offered to its staff.

The practice followed safe recruitment procedures when employing staff, which were in line with national legislation. This included identity checks, review of qualifications, obtaining professional references and an appropriate level of Disclosure and Barred List checks (DBS check).

A DBS check is a criminal record check in the UK used to help employers determine if someone is suitable and safe for a role and is particularly used for roles involving children, vulnerable adults, or sensitive information.

Scorton Medical Centre assessed and managed the risk of infection. It detected and controlled the risk of it spreading and shared concerns with appropriate agencies promptly.

The practice had cleaning schedules available, which outlined how staff should clean the building and its equipment. The practice demonstrated how these were monitored for completion to maintain oversight of cleaning arrangements.

During our onsite visit, the premises and a sample of equipment were reviewed and were noted to be visibly clean.

The practice had a designated infection, prevention and control (IPC) lead and they had conducted regular risk assessments and audits to ensure compliance, acting where necessary to mitigate any identified risks.

IPC training was mandatory for all staff and, at the time of our visit, most staff had completed it. For those who had not, completion was being monitored.

The practice maintained records of staff immunisation status in line with national guidelines.

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