A Brighton doctors’ surgery has been rated as “good” overall after an inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Ardingly Court Surgery, in Ardingly Street, Brighton, was told that it “requires improvement” when it comes to providing safe services.
This was because prescription forms were not stored securely and the surgery did not have proof that photo identity checks were carried out when new staff were taken on.
But it is good when it comes to providing effective, caring, responsive and well-led services.
The surgery, led by Veronica Sutcliffe, also has a branch surgery at the Wellsbourne Health Centre, in Whitehawk Road, Brighton.
The branch surgery, which has yet to be inspected, is expected to take on many of the 3,000 patients who are currently registered with The Practice Whitehawk Road. The Practice Group is pulling out in the autumn.
Steve Field, the chief inspector of general practice, said: “We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Ardingly Court Surgery on (Tuesday) 19 January 2016.”
The CQC report was published on Tuesday 3 May. In the report Professor Field said: “Overall the practice is rated as good. Our key findings across all the areas we inspected were as follows.
“There was an open and transparent approach to safety and an effective system in place for reporting and recording significant events.
“Risks to patients were generally assessed and well managed although the practice did not consistently record checks of photographic identification as part of their recruitment processes and prescription forms were stored in printers in unlocked rooms.
“Staff assessed patients’ needs and delivered care in line with current evidence based guidance. Staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to deliver effective care and treatment.
“Patients said they were treated with compassion, dignity and respect and they were involved in their care and decisions about their treatment.
“Information about services and how to complain was available and easy to understand.
“Patients did not always find it easy to make an appointment with a named GP although the majority told us they were happy with their care. Urgent appointments were available the same day.
“The practice had good facilities and was well equipped to treat patients and meet their needs.
“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.
“The practice had a virtual PPG (patient participation group) although participation was limited to supporting the practice with their patient survey.
“The provider was aware of and complied with the requirements of the duty of candour.
“Feedback from patients included issues relating to telephone access and waiting times for appointments.
“The practice had engaged with the (Brighton and Hove) Clinical Commissioning Group and NHS England following an increase in new patients due to a local practice closure. They had also taken action to address concerns by increasing awareness of online services.
“The areas where the provider must make improvements are
- Review the risk assessment relating to prescriptions forms stored in printers to ensure action taken fully mitigates the risk and that forms are stored securely.
- Ensure that recruitment records evidence that checks of identification are recorded to include evidence of photographic identification.
“The areas where the provider should make improvements are continue to take action to improve patient experience around accessing services (and) work to ensure the PPG is actively participative in the development of services.”
