GP surgery slammed over patient safety fears
A GP practice near Ashbourne is now under new management following the publication of a damning inspection report which stated there were “serious concerns about patient safety”.
Changes have been made from the top at Brailsford and Hulland Medical Practice after the recent report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which rated the practice as inadequate overall.
The inspection took place in June and found that the Brailsford-based practice was inadequate in two key areas of criteria - safety and well-led management, while under its previous leadership.
It said “leaders could not demonstrate they had the capacity and skills to address the challenges within the practice”. There were also concerns regarding daily operations and systems.
It said systems to follow up frequent attendees to A&E or children who did not attend appointments in secondary care were “not in place”.
The report also raised concern that effective infection prevention and control processes were not in place
It also said there were “missed opportunities” to raise and analyse significant events.
Later it added: “I am placing this service in special measures. Special measures will give people who use the service the reassurance that the care they get should improve. We found serious concerns about patient safety.” However, the report did praise staff’s caring nature, rating that element of the report as Good.
It added: “Staff treated patients with kindness, respect and compassion.”
A statement issued on the Brailsford and Hulland Medical Practice’s website confirmed the change of management - with South Dales Health taking over the day-to-day running.
The firm is also involved in the management of other GP surgeries in Derbyshire. The statement by South Dales Health to patients said: “The change in leadership follows the result of a routine inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in July, 2021. The inspection found that the practice’s service was inadequate overall.
“We intend to make rapid service improvements that allow the practice to thrive once again, serving the community of Brailsford and Hulland Ward safely and effectively.
“This work is complex, and some aspects will take a little time to get right. We ask that you are patient with staff and the new leadership as we seek to make the required improvements as quickly but as carefully as possible.
“Staff in the practice are working under great pressure and we ask that you show kindness and respect to staff during this challenging period. This would be very much appreciated.”
The full inspection report can be read on the Care Quality Commission website.
Leaders could not demonstrate they had the capacity and skills to address challenges
Inspection verdict