A GP surgery in Whitehawk which was placed in special measures by NHS inspectors because of inadequate systems, low immunisation rates and a lack of practice nurses has now been rated good.
The Broadway Surgery in Whitehawk Road was rated inadequate after an inspection in February 2016, but since then it has improved in all of the five key areas of concern originally highlighted.
England’s Chief Inspector of General Practice says it is now safe, effective, caring, well-led, although it still requires improvement for being responsive to people’s needs.
Partner Dr Anita Rajda – Bolczyk said: “We very disappointed with the rating last year. It’s a credit to all the staff that we have not just crept to “adequate” but have obtained a “good” rating.”
Practice Manager Sonia Mulla who took over the practice management in February 2016 said: “I had only been in post for 2 weeks when the initial inspection took place.
“A huge amount of work has been done to ensure that we have put right the issues that were highlighted. I am delighted with the report. We will be using this as a basis for making further improvements moving the practice forward into the future.
“One of the things that has encouraged us most has been the continued support we have received from our patients during this period of improvement. We would like to say a huge thank you and renew our pledge to them to do our utmost to deliver the best care we can for everyone.”
Professor Steve Field, Chief Inspector of General Practice, said: “It is clear that the Broadway Surgery has made some real improvements since our previous inspection, in February 2016, where we identified serious concerns relating to the safe delivery of services and leadership of the practice.
“The practice is now providing a safe, caring and effective service. I am pleased to announce that the practice will come out of special measures and I congratulate them on the progress that they have made.”
Ruth Rankine, Deputy Chief Inspector of General Practice for the South of England, said: “During our recent inspection in October, we found the practice had strived to made significant improvements in all areas. The action had been taken to identify, assess and manage risks to patients has reaped great benefits with a significant increase in patient satisfaction.
“It has taken a lot of hard work and strong commitment from all practice staff to deliver improved services which will have resulted in higher standards of care for their patients. There is still work to do but, the practice should be very proud of the work done to date.”
The full report of the inspection has been published on the CQC website here.
After the inspection in February 2016, the practice put an action plan in place to make sustainable improvements to the areas of concern which CQC had outlined, and to make sure that regulations were met.
Inspectors found that staff had been trained to provide them with the skills, knowledge and experience to deliver effective care and treatment. This included up to date training on basic life support, safeguarding, infection control and the role of the chaperone.
There was now an open and transparent approach to safety and an effective system in place for reporting and recording significant events. Inspectors saw evidence these were investigated and that learning was shared with staff
An active patient participation group had been established and the practice proactively sought feedback from staff and patients, which it acted on.
A clear leadership structure was now in place and staff felt supported by management.
