The Care Quality Commission
  • Doctor
  • GP practice

Albion Health Centre

Overall: Good read more about inspection ratings

333 Whitechapel Road, Whitechapel, London, E1 1BU (020) 7456 9820

Provided and run by:
Albion Health Centre

All Inspections

6 July 2023

During a monthly review of our data

We carried out a review of the data available to us about Albion Health Centre 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 Albion Health Centre, you can give feedback on this service.

24 October 2019

During an annual regulatory review

We reviewed the information available to us about Albion Health Centre on 24 October 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.

5 May 2017

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 Albion Health Centre on 19 July 2016. The overall rating for the practice was good. The full comprehensive report on the 19 July 2016 inspection can be found by selecting the ‘all reports’ link for Albion Health Centre on our website at www.cqc.org.uk.

This inspection was a desk-based review carried out on 5 May 2017 to confirm that the practice had carried out their plan to meet the legal requirements in relation to the breaches in regulations that we identified in our previous inspection on 19 July 2016. There were concerns that the practice was not responsive to patient feedback on access and waiting times, systems to identify carers needed reviewing, staff did not receive regular appraisals and policies needed to be kept up to date with current guidelines. This report covers our findings in relation to those requirements and also additional improvements made since our last inspection.

Overall the practice is now rated as good.

Our key findings were as follows:

  • In response to the patient survey results on access to services the practice was trialling a new appointment booking system.
  • The practice had changed their telephone system to an internet based system which meant that patients who called to make appointments would be held in a cue rather than getting the engaged tone.
  • The practice increased the number of telephone consultations available.
  • They had also introduced web based consultations and online appointment booking.
  • The practice enquired about carer status in their NHS health checks and chronic diseases/integrated care reviews and then coded the relevant status when the information had been provided opportunistically. The practice had identified 29% of their patient list as a carer. They advise patients that are carers about local resources and the carer’s website and also refer to their local network social prescriber who is attached to our practice one day a week.
  • Appraisals had been completed for all staff in the last year, the practice were in the middle of this year’s appraisals at the time of inspection.
  • The child safeguarding policy was up to date.
  • The infection control protocol and policy were both up to date.
  • Blank prescription forms and pads were securely stored and there was a system in place to record their numbers to monitor their use.

At this inspection we found that there had been improvements in patient’s access to the services, the practice had taken on board patient’s feedback and implemented changes such as web based consultations, increased telephone consultations and online booking. Consequently, the practice is rated as good for providing responsive services.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice

19 July 2016

During a routine inspection

Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Albion Health Centre on 19 July 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.
  • The majority of patients said they were treated with compassion, dignity and respect. However, not all felt cared for, supported and listened to.
  • The practice had a number of policies and procedures to govern activity. However, their children's safeguarding policy did not contain up to date guidance.
  • Staff assessed patients’ needs and delivered care in line with current evidence based guidance. Staff had been trained to provide them with the skills, knowledge and experience to deliver effective care and treatment.
  • Information about services and how to complain was available and easy to understand.
  • Patients said they could make an appointment with a named GP and there was continuity of care, with urgent appointments available the same day. However, they said waiting times were long.
  • 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 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.

The areas where the provider should improvement are:

  • Ensure that all staff receive regular appraisals.
  • Ensure improvements are made to address patient access and waiting times.
  • Review systems to ensure policies are up to date with current guidance.
  • Review systems to identify carers in the practice to ensure they receive appropriate care and support.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice

During a check to make sure that the improvements required had been made

At our previous inspection on 18 December 2013 we found that the provider was not ensuring appropriate checks were always undertaken before staff began work. Since our inspection the provider has taken appropriate steps to ensure that staff employed at the practice are of good character.

18 December 2013

During a routine inspection

We spoke with three of the practice's GP partners, one of whom was the registered manager, a salaried GP, a practice nurse, the practice manager and three members of the reception staff. We also spoke with eight people who used the service including a representative from the patient participation group (PPG).

People using the service told us they felt that their GP spent time listening to their concerns and explaining the treatment options available. People's privacy, dignity and independence were respected. People told us they were encouraged to take part in advice sessions raising awareness about certain health issues.

Most people who used the service were protected from the risk of abuse, because the provider had taken some steps to identify the possibility of abuse and prevent abuse from happening. However, we found that some staff had not had relevant criminal checks.

Staff received appropriate professional development. Patients told us they had confidence in the knowledge and skills of the staff at the practice. However we found that some staff had not received training in safeguarding vulnerable adults or children.

The practice was located in a listed building which meant there were restrictions relating to making any changes to the structure of the premises. Although the practice decoration was dated we found the practice to be clean and tidy.

People who used the service, their representatives and staff were asked for their views about their care and treatment through the PPG and they were acted on. We also looked at NHS Choices website and saw that people's comments had been responded to by the practice.