2nd November 2017
During a routine inspection
Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice
This practice is rated as Good overall. (Previous inspection March 2016 – Good)
The key questions are rated as:
Are services safe? – Good
Are services effective? – Good
Are services caring? – Good
Are services responsive? – Good
Are services well-led? - Good
As part of our inspection process, we also look at the quality of care for specific population groups. The population groups are rated as:
Older People – Good
People with long-term conditions – Good
Families, children and young people – Good
Working age people (including those recently retired and students) – Good
People whose circumstances may make them vulnerable – Good
People experiencing poor mental health (including people with dementia) - Good
We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Lowther Medical Centre on 2 November 2017 as part of our inspection programme.
At this inspection we found:
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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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Risks to patients were assessed and generally well-managed, although some risk assessments and policies were overdue for review.
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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.
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Information about services and how to complain was available and easy to understand. Improvements were made to the quality of care as a result of complaints and concerns.
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The practice had good facilities and was well equipped to treat patients and meet their needs.
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There was a clear leadership structure and staff felt supported by management. The practice proactively sought feedback from staff and patients, which it acted on.
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The provider was aware of and complied with the requirements of the duty of candour.
The areas where the provider should make improvements are:
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Review risk assessments and policies which are due for renewal and update them as required.
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Make sure documentation for Patient Group Directions and Patient Specific Directions is signed as directed.
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Continue to monitor and improve access to appointments.
Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP)
Chief Inspector of General Practice