02.10.15
Four GP practices placed in special measures, but ‘vast majority’ good
Four GP practices were placed in special measures following recent CQC inspections, which rated another 18 providers as ‘require improvement’.
Trent Valley Surgery in Lincolnshire, Chatham Street Surgery and London Street Surgery in Reading, and Dr NHR Simpson’s Practice in Leicestershire have all received ratings of ‘inadequate’ by inspectors.
Trent Valley Surgery delivers primary medical services to over 4,000 patients from two sites inspection – but failed to provide all its staff with training in basic life support and managing emergencies.
No oxygen was available at either surgery for use in a medical emergency, and the senior GP told the inspectors that they had never used it in 13 years, now coming to consider lack of oxygen an “acceptable risk”.
Commenting on the findings, Janet Williamson, deputy chief inspector of GP and dentistry in CQC’s central region, said: “The practice did not have processes in place to prioritise safety, identify risks and improve patient safety. For example, reported incidents and national patient safety alerts, as well as comments and complaints received from patients.
“We know that Trent Valley Surgery has acknowledged the areas where action must be taken. We have found significant areas of concern, which is why we are placing the practice into special measures – so opening the way to support from NHS England among others.
“We will continue to monitor this practice and we will inspect again in six months to check whether improvements have been made.”
Similarly, Chatham Street Surgery serves around 7,200 registered patients and is one of the 20 practices within the South Reading CCG.
Ruth Rankine, CQC’s deputy chief inspector of general practices, said the provider had seen a “significant amount of change” over the past three years – not met with sufficient leadership and management.
NHS England’s medical director, Dr Geoff Payne, said the CQC report identified a series of failing areas including monitoring performance, medicines management and managing risks.
“Together with South Reading CCG, we are supporting the practice to develop and implement an action plan so that they can make improvements quickly. We encourage patients to continue to support the practice during this time,” he said.
The other two providers placed in special measures saw similar failings with London Street Surgery – which covers 4,400 patients – showing “significant areas of concern” in relation to developing vital business strategies.
‘Vast majority’ of good providers
The findings are part of a wider package of inspections published recently, in which the CQC looked into 63 providers.
Despite five providers being rated as ‘inadequate’ and 18 as ‘requires improvement’, 39 of the practices were found to be ‘good’.
And although none were rated as outstanding in this occasion, 71 GP practices have already received that rating.
Prof Steve Field, chief inspector of general practice, said: “After more than 2,000 inspections we now have the evidence that the vast majority of England’s GP practices are providing a service which is safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led. We have also found so many practices going far beyond the call of duty to care for patients to provide an outstanding service to their patients.
“But, unfortunately, there are still areas of practice that are inadequate and unacceptable. Patients have a right to expected high quality care from every GP practice.
“Practices rated as ‘inadequate’ that are put into special measures are offered additional support by NHS England which is working with the RCGP to help the practice get back on track. We have already seen the benefits of this approach when we re-inspect.”