Archived: Tideswell Surgery

Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We inspected this practice on 16 October 2014 as part of our new comprehensive inspection programme. This is the first time we have inspected this practice.

This practice has an overall rating of good and it was providing good quality care and treatment across all domains and population groups. We saw some examples of outstanding care.

• Patients told us they were satisfied with the appointments system and told us it met their needs.
• Patients were kept safe from the risk and spread of infection as the provider had carried out audits and acted on their findings
• Patients were treated with dignity and respect and spoken to in a friendly manner by all staff
• Systems were in place to keep patients safe by assessing risk and taking steps to reduce this. We saw evidence of learning from previous incidents.
• Patients, their relatives and carers were involved in all aspects of treatment and their opinions were listened to and acted upon.

We saw examples of outstanding practice. The practice is situated in a remote rural location with a dispersed patient group and limited access to public transport. We saw that action had been taken to ensure patients received the care they required, for example;

• The practice offered branch surgery sessions in three nearby villages to ensure all patients could access the service they required. Surgeries were held in village halls where patients could have simple health checks, consultations and request and collect prescriptions. Any more serious concerns could be dealt with at the main practice. Patients told us the valued this service and found it invaluable

• The lead GP carried out research into rates of depression and poor mental health amongst the rural community of North Derbyshire. Isolation and depression was identified as a major factor in rural communities. This led to the Farm out Project being developed to provide social and wellbeing activities for the local farming community. The project had proved very successful and was implemented across the CCG area

• The practice had developed health and lifestyle checks specifically designed for teenagers. This looked at vaccination status, physical health checks and lifestyle advice. It has proved so successful it has been rolled out across the Clinical Commissioning Group area.

However, there were areas of practice where the provider should make improvements.

The provider should:

• Ensure that audit cycles are completed by carrying out a second review of the subject

• The provider should ensure that curtains or screens are fitted in treatment rooms to further protect patients dignity

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice