Brighton GP surgery '˜requires improvement' say health inspectors

A Brighton surgery has been rated as '˜requiring improvement' by Care Quality Commission inspectors.
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Links Road Surgery, in Portslade, was inspected on July 27 and the results have just been published this week.

The report said that patients were treated with ‘compassion, dignity and respect’ and that many patients had praised the ‘personalised care and support’ received from the practice. Patients also found it was easy to make an appointment.

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The report praised the facilities, leadership and the ‘open and transparnet approach to safety’.

However, it found that ‘the recording processes could be improved’.

“Most risks to patients were assessed and well managed. However, some systems and processes to address risks were not implemented well enough to ensure patients and staff were kept safe.

“This included the arrangements for managing controlled drugs in GP’s bags, the security and tracking of blank prescription paper, completion of recruitment checks, and the completion of electrical and gas safety checks.”

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The inspector listed areas where the provider must make improvement as:

• Ensure that there are clear processes for reporting, recording, acting on and monitoring significant events, incidents and near misses to ensure that lessons are learnt.

• Ensure that all policies and procedures used to govern activity are regularly reviewed and up to date, including safeguarding arrangements. Improve policies and procedures to ensure the security and tracking of blank prescriptions at all times.

• Ensure that disposable curtains are dated and replaced every six months to comply with national infection control guidelines.

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• Ensure that there are clear and defined arrangements in place to securely store, monitor and dispose of controlled drugs.

• Ensure that recruitment checks are completed, including obtaining references, as set out in the practice recruitment policy.

• Ensure risk assessments are completed including for electrical and gas safety.

• Develop an on-going clinical audit programme to show that continuous improvements have been made to patient care in a range of clinical areas as a result of audit.

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• Ensure care plans are routinely completed and reviewed for all patients with a long term condition.

The areas where the provider should make improvement are:

• Continue to improve records and oversight of training to ensure all staff have completed their training requirements.

• Consider improvements to the recording of complaints to enhance efficiency and the management of the process.

• Ensure there are arrangements to provide regular communication and updates to all staff, including regarding senior management changes in light of succession planning.