Archived: Arun Medical Group

Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We undertook a comprehensive inspection of Arun Medical Group on the 21st January 2015.

The practice has an overall rating of good.

Arun Medical Group provides primary medical services to people living in Littlehampton. The practice boundary encompasses the River Ward and Ham Ward districts. At the time of our inspection there were approximately 7060 patients registered at the practice with a team of two GP partners and a nurse partner. The practice was also supported by three salaried GPs, nurses, an associate practitioner, a healthcare assistant and a team of reception and administrative staff. Arun Medical Group is a training practice.

The inspection team spoke with staff and patients and reviewed policies and procedures. The practice understood the needs of the local population and engaged effectively with other services. There was a culture of openness and transparency within the practice and staff told us they felt supported. The practice was committed to providing high quality patient care and patients told us they felt the practice was caring and responsive to their needs.

Our key findings were as follows:

• GPs had their own patient lists and where possible encouraged continuity of care by patients seeing their named GP.
• Patient feedback about the practice and the care and treatment they received was very positive.
• The involvement of patients in the development of the practice was positive and inclusive.
• There was evidence the practice was listening to its patients and responding to any concerns or suggestions in a timely and effective manner.
• Infection control audits and cleaning schedules were in place and the practice was seen to be clean and tidy.
• The practice had systems to keep patients safe including safeguarding procedures and means of sharing information in relation to patients who were vulnerable.
• Learning from incidents was apparent and we saw good examples of changes made as a result of learning.
• There were a range of appointments to suit most patients’ needs.
• Patients with palliative care needs were supported using the Gold Standards Framework.

• The practice had the appropriate equipment, medicines and procedures to manage foreseeable patient emergencies.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice