CQC identifies improvements at Cambridgeshire GP practice

England’s Chief Inspector of General Practice has welcomed improvements in the quality of services provided by Orchard Surgery- St Ives in Cambridgeshire.

In March 2017, inspectors identified concerns with regard to the leadership, effectivness and safety of the practice. As a result the practice was given an overall rating of Inadequate and placed into special measures.

The latest inspection which took place in July 2017 concluded the practice had addressed all areas of concern. It has now been awarded an overall rating of Good across all five areas for being safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led.

A full report of the latest inspection has been published on our website.

Inspectors found that since the original inspection the practice had taken significant steps to improve leadership, with a focus on improving the quality and safety of its services to patients.

Examples of key findings and improvements, included:

• The practice had ensured there was effective leadership capacity to deliver all improvements. A team consisting of GPs, nursing staff and non-clinical staff had met regularly and had delivered improvements.
• Effective systems had been implemented for safeguarding patients from abuse. An accurate, complete, and contemporaneous record was maintained for the patients affected, including relevant information from safeguarding meetings.
• The practice had significantly improved the management of infection prevention and control.
• The security of the dispensary had been reviewed and improvements made.
• Patient recall systems had been implemented, and coding of patient groups was more consistent, resulting in improved management of patients with long term conditions.
• Clinical audits had been undertaken and had led to improvements.

Professor Steve Field, Chief Inspector of General Practice, said:

“It was disappointing that our inspection earlier this year highlighted concerns, particularly in relation to whether it was safe, effective and well-led."

“I am very pleased to see that since then, the practice has made significant progress, which has led to a much better service for patients resulting in a new rating of Good across all areas and a removal from Special Measures."

“During the latest inspection we found the provider had significantly strengthened their leadership and management and had taken a proactive team approach towards making and sustaining improvements in quality."

“The practice had ensured there was effective leadership capacity to deliver all improvements. A team consisting of GPs, nursing staff and non-clinical staff had been formed, met regularly and had delivered improvements."

“The practice now had a clear vision and strategy to deliver high quality care and promote good outcomes for patients. Practice staff were clear about the vision and their responsibilities in relation to it."

“The practice liaised effectively with support organisations and proactively supported vulnerable patient groups."

“We saw that practice staff worked together as a cohesive team and treated patients with kindness and respect, and maintained patient and information confidentiality. 41 of the 44 comments we received all contained positive feedback."

“It is clear that the practice took our findings seriously, seeking external advice to help it improve and working hard to implement the necessary changes.  All of the staff should be extremely proud of what they have achieved and I applaud the dedication and commitment they have shown to improving the care of their patients.”

Ends

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