Falkland House Surgery

On this page

• Overview
• Learning culture
• Safe systems, pathways and transitions
• Safeguarding
• Involving people to manage risks
• Safe environments
• Safe and effective staffing
• Infection prevention and control
• Medicines optimisation

We looked for evidence people were protected from abuse and avoidable harm. At our last assessment, we rated this key question as good. At this assessment, the rating remains the same.

This service scored 75 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

We did not look at Learning culture during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

We did not look at Safe systems, pathways and transitions during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

We did not look at Safeguarding during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

We did not look at Involving people to manage risks during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

The service detected and controlled potential risks in the care environment. They made sure equipment, facilities and technology supported the delivery of safe care. The service had contracts to ensure the premises were maintained.

Staff and leaders completed health and safety risk assessments and carried out audits to identify and address potential risks. During the visit, we observed that two window blind cords in patient‑accessible areas did not have the recommended safety cleats. The practice manager advised this would be addressed immediately. All other actions and recommendations identified had been reviewed and addressed. Appropriate systems were in place for safe storage of blank prescription stationery, and the provider had effective systems to manage and respond to safety and medicine alerts. The service had a business continuity plan which was regularly reviewed and outlined how the service should continue to operate in the event of a disruption.

The service made sure there were enough qualified, skilled and experienced staff, who received effective support, supervision and development. They worked together well to provide safe care that met people’s individual needs.

The 2 GP partners employed a range of clinical and non-clinical staff, including a practice nurse, and a health care assistant. In addition, a physician associate, who was not directly employed by the service, held regular clinics at the practice. The service also supported GP registrars and medical students in training.

Leaders ensured most staff were up to date with mandatory training. While some training was completed during the announcement period and one staff member was overdue with non‑mandatory training, the practice manager had developed a training handbook which was due to be implemented to clarify training requirements. The service followed safe recruitment procedures when employing staff, which was in line with national legislation. This included identity checks, review of qualifications, obtaining of professional references and a criminal records check.

The service assessed and managed the risk of infection. They detected and controlled the risk of it spreading and shared concerns with appropriate agencies promptly.

The service had cleaning schedules available, which outlined how staff should clean the building and its equipment. The service demonstrated how these were monitored to maintain oversight of cleaning arrangements. During our onsite visit, the service's premises and a sample of equipment reviewed was noted to be visibly clean. The service conducted regular infection, prevention and control risk assessments and audits to ensure compliance and took action where necessary to mitigate any identified risks. Staff had completed relevant training in infection prevention and control.

We did not look at Medicines optimisation during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.