Updated 28 January 2025
Date of Assessment: 24th February 2025 to 16 April 2025. Modality Mid-Sussex is a GP practice and delivers services to 30,000 patients under a contract held with NHS England. Information published by Office for Health Improvement and Disparities shows that deprivation in the practice population group is in the highest decile (10 out of 10). The higher the decile, the less deprived the practice population is relative to others.
According to the latest available data, the ethnic make-up of the practice area is 93% White, 3% Asian, 2.4% Mixed, and 1% Black. The age distribution of the practice population closely mirrors the local and national averages. This assessment considered the demographics of the people using the service, the context the service was working within and how this impacted service delivery. Where relevant, further commentary is provided in the quality statements section of this report.
The practice had a good learning culture and staff knew how to raise concerns. There was evidence of learning and dissemination of information. There were systems to protect people and safeguard them from abuse. Staff understood and managed health and safety and fire risks. The facilities and equipment met the needs of people, were clean and well-maintained. Any risks had been mitigated. Staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles. Managers made sure staff received essential training and regular appraisals. However, not all staff in advanced clinical roles received regular structured supervision. Staff managed medicines well and involved people in planning any changes. However, there was a need to improve the timeliness and quality of medication reviews.
People were involved in assessments of their needs. Staff reviewed assessments taking account of people’s communication, personal and health needs. Care was based on latest evidence and good practice. Staff worked with all agencies involved in people’s care for the best outcomes. Staff made sure people understood their care and treatment to enable them to give informed consent.
People were treated with kindness and compassion. Staff protected their privacy and dignity. They treated them as individuals and supported their preferences. The service supported staff wellbeing.
The practice had established mechanisms for engaging with the community. In response to patient feedback, the provider had identified changes to improve access to the service, particularly the introduction of a digital triage system and an increase in staff and appointment capacity. However, feedback indicated that some patients were still not able to access care and treatment in a timely way. Some faced communication barriers to accessing care and treatment, especially those who might be digitally excluded. Improvements to access had yet to be embedded and realised.
Leaders and staff had a shared vision and culture. Leaders were visible, knowledgeable and supportive, helping staff develop in their roles. Staff felt supported to give feedback and were free from bullying or harassment. Staff understood their roles and responsibilities. Managers worked with the local community to deliver the best possible care and were receptive to new ideas. There was evidence of continuous improvement and innovation. However, leaders lacked oversight of some systems and processes, specifically for medication reviews, recruitment checks and clinical supervision.
We found a breach of regulation in relation to good governance. We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this assessment. The breach of regulation does not affect the overall rating.
This service was placed in special measures on 17 September 2023. The provider demonstrated improvements that have been made. The practice is no longer rated as inadequate overall or in any of the key questions. Therefore, this service is no longer in special measures.