Updated 27 June 2025
Date of Assessment: 9,10 16 July 2025. Heathfielde Medical Centre is a GP practice and delivers service to approximately 6400 patients (at the time of this assessment) under a contract held with NHS England. Information published by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities shows that deprivation within the service population group is in the 10th decile (10 of 10). The lower the decile, the more deprived the service population is relative to others. This focused assessment was undertaken following concerns raised to the Commission relating to the provision of service at this location. This assessment looked at 9 quality statements across the key questions of Effective and Well-Led.
EFFECTIVE: People were involved in assessments of their needs. Staff reviewed assessments taking account of people’s communication, personal and health needs. Care was based on latest evidence and good practice. Staff worked with all agencies involved in people’s care for the good outcomes and smooth transitions when moving services. Staff made sure people understood their care and treatment to enable them to give informed consent. Staff involved people took decisions in other people’s best interests where they did not have capacity.
WELL-LED: Leaders and staff did not have a shared vision and culture based on listening, learning and trust. Whilst some leaders were visible, the assessment team were told that not all GP partners were always on site regularly. Not all staff found all GP partners supportive in their day-to-day roles. Staff told us they did not feel confident in giving feedback or felt free from negativity from some GP partners. Staff understood their roles and responsibilities. There was evidence of a culture of improvement.
We found a breach of regulation in relation to Regulation 17 (Good Governance) of The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this assessment.