Archived: Prenton Medical Centre

Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

This is the report of findings from our inspection of Prenton Medical Centre which is registered with the Care Quality Commission to provide primary care services.

We undertook a planned, comprehensive inspection on 20 January 2015 at the practice location. We spoke with patients, staff and the practice management team.

The practice was rated overall as Good. A caring, safe, effective, responsive and well- led service was provided that met the needs of the population it served.

Our key findings were as follows:

• There were systems in place to protect patients from avoidable harm, such as from the risks associated with staff recruitment, equipment and cross infection. Improvements should be made to records of medication reviews, security of prescription pads and the management of significant events.

• Patients care needs were assessed and care and treatment was being considered in line with best practice national guidelines. Staff were proactive in promoting good health and referrals were made to other agencies to ensure patients received the treatments they needed.

• Feedback from patients showed they were happy with the care given by all staff. They felt listened to, treated with dignity and respect and had confidence in the GPs and nurse. Patients felt involved in decision making around their care and treatment.

• The practice planned its services to meet the differing needs of patients. The appointment system in place allowed good access to the service. The practice encouraged patients to give their views about the services offered and made changes as a consequence.

• There was a leadership structure in place and clear lines of accountability. The practice ensured that staff had access to learning and improvement opportunities.

There were areas of practice where the provider needs to make improvements.

The provider should:

• Improve the management of significant events by ensuring that lessons learned and actions taken are fully recorded. A review of significant events should also be carried out to demonstrate that any actions taken have been effective.
• Record serial numbers of prescription pads to minimise the risk of inappropriate use.
• Ensure that all medication reviews are fully documented in patients’ medical records.
• Revise the consent form for minor surgical procedures and guidance around seeking consent to ensure patients’ rights are fully promote

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice