Launceston Close Surgery

Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Launceston Close Surgery. Overall the practice is rated as good.

Specifically, we found the practice to be good for providing well-led, effective, caring and responsive services. It was also good for providing services to meet the needs of all population groups of patients. We found improvements were needed to the records of staff recruitment to demonstrate the suitability of staff for their roles.

Our key findings across all the areas we inspected were as follows:

• There were systems in place to protect patients from avoidable harm, such as from the risks associated with medicines and equipment. However, improvements were needed to the recruitment of staff as the recruitment records did not demonstrate that all necessary checks were undertaken to demonstrate suitability for their roles.

• Patients care needs were assessed and care and treatment was being considered in line with best practice national guidelines. Staff worked together and with other services to promote patient care. The practice monitored the services it provided and made changes as required.

• Feedback from patients showed they were overall very happy with the care given by all staff. They felt listened to, treated with dignity and respect and involved in decision making around their care and treatment.

• The practice planned its services to meet the differing needs of patients. The practice encouraged patients to give their views about the services offered and made changes as a consequence.

• Quality and performance were monitored, risks were identified and managed. The practice ensured that staff had access to learning and improvement opportunities.

There were areas of practice where the provider needs to make improvements

Importantly, the provider must:

• Take action to ensure its recruitment policy, procedures and arrangements are improved to ensure necessary employment checks are in place for all staff and the required information in respect of workers is held.

The provider should:

• Ensure that clinical staff receive an appraisal and formal supervision from an appropriately qualified member of staff.
• Record all risk assessments so that they can be reviewed to ensure they remain effective.
• Review the systems in place to ensure scanning of patients records is carried out without unnecessary delay.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice