Updated 20 December 2019
Kennet surgery is located in a shop that was converted in 1983. A number of extensions and refurbishments to the premises have taken place since the practice first opened. The practice also offers a service from a branch surgery nearby and was visited as part of our inspection.
The practice does not have a car park for patients because the location offers too limited a space to install one. However, on street parking is available immediately outside the main entrance. There is ramped access and a system to alert reception staff to the arrival of a patient in a wheelchair or patient needing assistance with a pram or pushchair.
The practice has assessed the feasibility of installing automated entry doors. Due to the proximity of the pavement and the limited space for a sliding door this was not possible. Bus routes pass nearby enabling easy public transport access to the practice.
There are approximately 5,200 patients registered with the practice. The practice had identified
66% of its practice population is from Black and minority ethnic groups and income deprivation is recognised within pockets of the registered population.
Patients are able to access appointments with the GPs and nurses at either of the registered locations. There are two partners at the practice. One male and one female. They work a total of 13 clinical sessions and employ regular locum GPs for a further three sessions. This makes up the equivalent of two GPs. One of the partners had completed the training to become a trainer for qualified doctors seeking to become GPs.
There is a part time nurse practitioner, a part time clinical pharmacist, a full time practice nurse and two part time health care assistants. The practice manager is supported by a senior receptionist and a team of five administration and reception staff.
Services are delivered via a Personal Medical Services (PMS) contract. A PMS contract is a locally agreed alternative to the standard GMS contract used when services are agreed locally with a practice which may include additional services beyond the standard contract.
Services are provided from a main surgery and a branch surgery:
The Kennet Surgery
30 Cholmeley Road
Reading
Berkshire
RG1 3NQ
The Surgery
81 Christchurch road
Reading
Berkshire
RG2 7BD
The main practice site (Kennet Surgery) is open from 8am to 6.30pm every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Extended hour clinics are offered every Thursday evening between 6.30pm and 8pm.
The branch surgery (The Surgery) is open from 8am to 12.30pm every weekday, from 4pm to 6.30pm every Monday, Tuesday and Friday. Extended hour clinics are offered every Tuesday from 6.30pm to 8pm.
The practice has opted out of providing out of hours services to their patients. Out of hours services are provided by Westcall. This out of hours service is accessed by calling 111. A message on the practice telephone system advises patients to call this number when the practice is closed. The arrangements in place for services to be provided when the surgery is closed are displayed at the practice, in the patient information leaflet and on the practice website.
The practice is registered by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to carry out the following regulated activities:
maternity and midwifery services, family planning, treatment of disease, disorder or injury, surgical procedures and diagnostic and screening procedures.