Launceston Close Surgery

Updated 19 September 2016

Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection of this practice on 25 June 2015. A breach of legal requirements was found. After the comprehensive inspection, the practice wrote to us to say what they would do to meet the legal requirements in relation to the breach. We undertook this focused inspection to check that they had followed their plan and to confirm that they now met legal requirements. This report only covers our findings in relation to those requirements. You can read the report from our last comprehensive inspection, by selecting the 'all reports' link for Launceston Close Surgery on our website at www.cqc.org.uk

Our key findings were as follows:

• Action had been taken to ensure the recruitment procedures were improved and the required information in respect of workers was obtained.

The areas where the provider should make improvements are:

• Make a record of information about any physical or mental conditions which are relevant (after reasonable adjustments) to the role the person is being employed to undertake.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice

Updated 27 August 2015

The practice is rated as good for the population group of people with long term conditions. The practice held information about the prevalence of specific long term conditions within its patient population such as diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardio vascular disease and hypertension. This information was reflected in the services provided, for example, reviews of conditions and treatment, screening programmes and vaccination programmes. The practice had a system in place to ensure patients received reviews for long term conditions and to follow up unplanned hospital admissions in a timely manner. The practice kept a record of patients needing palliative care. Palliative care meetings were held regularly to ensure the needs of patients were being appropriately addressed.

Updated 27 August 2015

The practice is rated as good for the population group of families, children and young people. Child health surveillance and immunisation clinics were provided. The practice monitored any non-attendance of babies and children at vaccination clinics and worked with the health visiting service to follow up any concerns. Staff were knowledgeable about child protection and one of the GPs took the lead for safeguarding. Alerts were placed onto the patient’s electronic record when safeguarding concerns were raised. Liaison took place with the health visiting service to discuss any children who were at risk of abuse and advice was taken from the Vale Royal Clinical Commissioning Group lead for safeguarding where necessary. Children were prioritised for urgent appointments to ensure their safety and wellbeing. Antenatal and family planning services were provided. Sexual health advice was provided and patients were sign posted to other services as needed.

Updated 27 August 2015

The practice is rated as good for the care of older people. The practice was knowledgeable about the number and health needs of older patients using the service and used this information to plan reviews of health care. A GP was linked to a care home in the area. The GP visited this home on a weekly basis and could be contacted by telephone for advice and support. Each care home patient had a care plan and an annual review of these patients was undertaken. This service promoted continuity of patient care, effective communication and assisted in identifying ill health more easily. The practice ensured each person who was over the age of 75 had a named GP. The practice worked with other agencies and health providers to provide support and access specialist help when needed. The practice had identified patients at risk of unplanned hospital admissions and a care plan had been developed to support them. Patients discharged from hospital received a follow up consultation.

Updated 27 August 2015

The practice is rated as good for the population group of working-age people (including those recently retired and students). The practice was open Monday to Friday from 08.00 to 18.00. An evening surgery was provided on Tuesdays 18.30 to 21.00 which offered routine pre-bookable appointments with the practice nurse. Patients could book appointments in person, on-line or via the telephone. The practice provided telephone consultations (including early morning) and pre bookable consultations up to two weeks in advance. This provided flexibility to working patients and those in full time education. Health checks were offered to patients who were over 45 years of age to promote patient well-being and prevent any health concerns.

Updated 27 August 2015

The practice is rated as good for the population group of people experiencing poor mental health (including people with dementia). The practice maintained a register of patients who experienced poor mental health. The register supported clinical staff to offer patients an annual appointment for a health check and a medication review. The practice provided a service for the early diagnosis of patients with dementia. The practice referred patients to appropriate services such as psychiatry and counselling services. The practice had information for patients in the waiting areas to inform them of other services available. For example, for patients who may benefit from counselling services for bereavement.

Updated 27 August 2015

The practice is rated as good for the population group of people whose circumstances may make them vulnerable. The practice was aware of patients in vulnerable circumstances and ensured they had appropriate access to health care to meet their needs. For example, a register was maintained of patients with a learning disability and annual health care reviews were provided to these patients. Patients’ electronic records contained alerts for staff regarding patients requiring additional assistance in order to ensure the length of the appointment was appropriate. Staff were knowledgeable about safeguarding vulnerable adults. They had access to the practice’s policy and procedures and had received training in this. The practice had a record of carers and used this information to discuss any support needed and to refer carers on to other services if necessary. A member of the Carers Trust spent an afternoon at the practice each month advertising the services available for carers in the local community.