Aspiro Healthcare

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Aspiro Healthcare on 6 September 2022. Overall, the practice is rated good.

Safe - Good

Effective - Good

Well-led – Outstanding

Why we carried out this inspection

We carried out this inspection in line with our inspection priorities. In addition, as part of this inspection we revisited areas of concern identified the previous inspection at Wollaston Surgery which took place in October 2019.

This inspection in October 2019 occurred prior to the providers registration changes, and at the time Wollaston Surgery was registered as a location under the provider organisation: Aspiro Healthcare. During the summer of 2022, the provider made changes to their registration with the Care Quality Commission to reflect Wollaston Surgery as a branch practice to Woodsend Medical Centre; along with their Bozeat dispensary service. The report from the previous inspection can be found by selecting the ‘all reports’ link for Wollaston Surgery, under the archived profile, on our website at www.cqc.org.uk

We noted significant improvements across the Wollaston branch and Bozeat dispensary sites at this inspection. Evidence assured us that the service met the legal requirements regarding the breaches in regulation set out in the requirement notice we issued to the provider, under their previous registration for Wollaston Surgery.

How we carried out the inspection

This inspection was carried out in a way which enabled us to spend a minimum amount of time on site. Our inspection involved:

• Completing clinical searches on the practice’s patient records system (this was with consent from the provider and in line with all data protection and information governance requirements).
• Reviewing patient records to identify issues and clarify actions taken by the provider.
• Site visits to the main practice at Woodsend Medical Centre, as well as the branch at Wollaston Surgery and the Bozeat dispensary.
• Conducting staff interviews using video conferencing as well as speaking with staff whilst on site.
• Requesting and reviewing evidence from the provider

Our findings

We based our judgement of the quality of care at this service on a combination of:

• what we found when we inspected
• information from our ongoing monitoring of data about services and
• information from the provider, patients, the public and other organisations.

We found that:

• The practice operated effective systems and processes to keep people safe and safeguarded from abuse.
• The systems to assess, monitor and manage risks to patient safety were reflective of best practice.
• There was evidence of appropriate and safe use of medicines. Care and treatment was delivered in line with current legislation and evidence-based guidance.

We have rated the practice as outstanding for providing well-led services because:

• There was effective leadership at all levels. Partners were experienced and dynamic and there was strong operational management at the practice. The leadership team were passionate and dedicated to delivering high quality care.
• There was clear evidence of collaborative and inclusive working throughout the practice. Leaders understood practice challenges, as well as challenges across the wider healthcare landscape.
• The development of staff was recognised as being integral to ensuring high quality care. Staff were inspired to lead and deliver change. Staff were empowered to speak up and their well-being was recognised as being fundamental.
• Governance arrangements were well-embedded, with rigorous monitoring in place. These arrangements reflected best practice.
• There was evidence of consistently high levels of engagement with staff and with patients, and satisfaction rates proved positive across both areas.
• The practice continued to deliver high quality care to their patients during the pandemic and we noted improved performance in care due to efforts undertaken during this period.

The provider should:

• Continue to encourage and engage patients to attend for cervical screening.

Details of our findings and the evidence supporting our ratings are set out in the evidence tables.

Dr Sean O’Kelly BSc MB ChB MSc DCH FRCA

Chief Inspector of Hospitals and Interim Chief Inspector of Primary Medical Services