We carried out a review of the data available to us about The Dow Surgery 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 The Dow Surgery, you can give feedback on this service.
We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at The Dow Surgery on 6 March 2019 as part of our inspection programme. The practice was previously inspected in 2016 and rated good.
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 have rated this practice as good overall and good for each of the population groups.
•The practice provided care in a way that kept patients safe and protected them from avoidable harm.
•Patients received effective care and treatment that met their needs.
•Staff dealt with patients with kindness and respect and involved them in decisions about their care.
•The practice organised and delivered services to meet patients’ needs. Patients could access care and treatment in a timely way.
•The practice had a focus on learning and improvement.
•The way the practice was led and managed promoted the delivery of high-quality, person-centred care.
However, there were also areas of practice where the provider needs to make improvements.
The provider should:
•Review their carers register and improve process for identification of carers.
•Ensure that all complaints are logged and trends identified.
•Review processes in place for engaging with patients and consider reinstatement of the PPG to ensure patient views and feedback are considered.
Details of our findings and the evidence supporting our ratings are set out in the evidence tables.
Dr Rosie Benneyworth BM BS BMedSci MRCGP
Chief Inspector of Primary Medical Services and Integrated Care
We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at The Dow Surgery on 11 May 2016. Overall the practice is rated as good.
Our key findings were as follows:
Staff understood and fulfilled their responsibilities to raise concerns and to report incidents and near misses. Information about safety was recorded, monitored, appropriately reviewed and addressed. The practice carried out an annual significant event audit to ensure learning from significant events.
Patients’ needs were assessed and care was planned and delivered following best practice guidance. The GPs were leads in different areas and had weekly meetings to discuss concerns and share learning.
There was a clear leadership structure and staff felt supported by the GPs and the practice manager. The practice were trying to work more closely with the virtual Patient Participation Group (PPG). Unfortunately we were not able to meet with any members of the PPG on the day of the inspection.
The practice was aware of and complied with the requirements of the Duty of Candour.
Risks to patients were assessed and well managed on the whole. We did however find that some risk assessments such as fire safety had not been carried out.
Patients described staff as efficient, respectful and caring. Patients commented that they were treated with dignity and respect.
Information about services and how to complain was available and easy to understand. Improvements were made to the quality of care as a result of complaints and concerns.
Patients said they found it easy to make an appointment with a named GP and there was continuity of care, with urgent appointments available the same day.
The provider should:
Undertake a fire safety risk assessment and fire drills at the recommended intervals.
Ensure that recruitment processes and legal requirements are followed before staff are employed to work at the practice.
Consider improving the system of appraisal for staff.
Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP)
Chief Inspector of General Practice