Surgery is taken out of special measures
AROCHDALE GP surgery damned as ‘inadequate’ and in need of ‘urgent action’ by inspectors earlier this year has finally come out of special measures.
The Village Medical Centre, in Littleborough, was condemned by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in a report in January.
Seven months later the centre has now been taken out of ‘special measures’ and ‘requires improvement’.
Earlier this year the CQC had ‘serious concerns’ about how the practice was being managed.
Substandard levels of management and safety were found to have put its 4,259 patients at potential risk of harm, during an inspection in September last year.
A lack of checks on staff before employment, no records of staff immunisation or training and no clear leadership structure, were criticised in the earlier report.
The medical centre, was found to be ‘inadequate’ in areas including safety, efficacy and leadership.
Responsiveness was also said to ‘require improvement’, but the CQC rated care ‘good’.
However, according to a new report, a ‘change of management has had a positive impact’.
The medical centre was taken over by GP Care Services Ltd, in February this year.
Inspectors found that ‘substantial changes’ had been made since the beginning of the year, including ‘bringing the treatment rooms up to the required standard’.
The report also stated that new ‘clearly defined’ systems had been brought in to ‘minimise the risk to patient safety’.
Patients also told inspectors that they felt like they were treated with ‘compassion, dignity and respect’ by staff.
Gail Whitehead, Chief Officer of GP Care Services said: “I am delighted that this practice has moved out of special measures. This is a testament practice that will look at bringing the rest of the clinical areas up to date and refurbishing the reception area; creating a sustainable living space outside the practice and refurbishing the car park for patients. With time and effort invested by GP Care, we believe in working together with the community to develop local services.”
The healthcare watchdog noted that the practice must ensure continued improvements, if it is to remain out of special measures.
Inspectors will carry out another inspection at the medical centre in six months time.