The Avenue Medical Centre

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 Avenue Medical Centre detected and controlled potential risks in the care environment. They made sure equipment, facilities and technology supported the delivery of safe care.

Contracts were in place to ensure the premises were maintained. Health and safety risk assessments and audits had been undertaken and risks identified had been addressed. We saw that equipment checks and calibrations needed were up to date.

There was a business continuity plan in place which was monitored and reviewed. We also observed that all areas, including public areas and seating looked in good repair.

At the time of our assessment, remedial works relating to the services lift had been identified as being required. The provider took appropriate action and provided evidence of completion.

Prescription stationery was kept securely, with records maintained to ensure stock levels

The Avenue Medical Centre 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.

There was a range of clinical and non-clinical roles within the practice. We found training was up to date, learning needs and development of staff was managed appropriately, and staff were working within their agreed areas of competence. Safe recruitment practices were followed.

People told us staff were knowledgeable, competent and good at carrying out their roles. Staff told us they were supported to increase their knowledge and learn new skills for the benefit of patients and in response to changes in best practice guidance and new techniques.

We reviewed 4 staff files during the assessment and saw that the service followed safe recruitment procedures when employing staff, in line with national legislation. This included completing identity checks, reviewing qualifications, obtaining professional references, and carrying out criminal records checks.

The practice was visibly clean. 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 practice had a designated infection, prevention and control lead and all staff had had relevant training. Cleaning schedules were in place and followed. There was a designated Infection Prevention Control (IPC) nurse lead who had oversight, and staff were aware of who the IPC lead was.

Risk assessments and audits were completed, and actions taken to mitigate risks. We observed staff wore a uniform that ensured they remained bare below elbows while on duty. This further promoted effective hand hygiene.

Cleaning cupboards were visibly clean, appropriately stocked, and single use equipment was used. We saw clinical rooms were clean and suitably supplied with equipment including pedal bins, PPE and hand wash facilities. Cleaning logs were completed and retained for audit purposes and overseen by the IPC lead at the service.

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