7 July 2016
During a routine inspection
Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice
We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at the Three Swans Surgery on 7 July 2016. Overall the practice is rated as good.
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There was an open and transparent approach to safety and an effective system in place for reporting and recording significant events.
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The practice was proactive and passionate about sharing and utilising opportunities for learning.
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Risks to patients were assessed and well managed.
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Staff assessed patients’ needs and delivered care in line with current evidence based guidance. Staff had been trained to provide them with the skills, knowledge and experience to deliver effective care and treatment.
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Patients said they were treated with compassion, dignity and respect and they were involved in their care and decisions about their treatment. Feedback from patients about their care was consistently positive.
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The practice worked closely with other organisations and with the local community in planning how services were provided to ensure that they meet patients’ needs. For example the GPs worked proactively with the other health care professionals to ensure care plans were in place to support patients in local care homes with complex needs and had seen a 36% decrease in hospital admissions over the last two years.
- Patients said they found it easy to make an appointment with a named GP and there was continuity of care, with urgent appointments available the same day.
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The practice had a clear vision to deliver high quality care and promote good outcomes and continuous improvement for patients. The practice placed a strong emphasis on working together as a team and all staff reported a supportive open team culture which valued learning and feedback.
- The practice actively reviewed complaints and had learning from complaints or any significant events as a weekly standing agenda item to ensure learning was cascaded promptly.
- The practice was continually seeking feedback and opportunities to improve the care, access and experience for the patients
- The practice had strong and visible clinical and managerial leadership and governance arrangements.
- The provider was aware of and complied with the requirements of the duty of candour.
Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP)
Chief Inspector of General Practice