England’s Chief Inspector of General Practice has welcomed improvements in the quality of services provided by Groby Road Medical Centre in Leicester.
In May 2016, inspectors identified concerns with regard to the leadership, effectiveness 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 January 2017 concluded the practice had addressed all areas of concern. It has now been awarded an overall rating of Good. The practice was rated as Good for being well-led, effective, safe and caring and Requires Improvement for being responsive.
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 included:
- There was an open and transparent approach to safety and an effective system in place for reporting and recording significant events.
- Significant improvements to risk management had been made and risks to patients were now being assessed and managed. The practice had implemented a risk register and employed the services of external specialists to carry out specific risk assessments such as for fire and legionella.
- Staff assessed patients’ needs and delivered care in line with current evidence based guidance. Staff had been trained to provide them with the skills, knowledge and experience to deliver effective care and treatment.
- Patients said they were treated with compassion, dignity and respect and they were involved in their care and decisions about their treatment.
- The practice had a clear vision that had improvement of service quality and safety as its top priority. The practice fully embraced the need to change, high standards were promoted and there was good evidence of team working.
- There was an improved system in place for reporting and recording significant events, with policy guidance available. Lessons were shared to make sure action was taken to improve safety in the practice.
Professor Steve Field, CQC's Chief Inspector of General Practice, said:
“It was disappointing that our inspection in May 2016 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 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 implemented a new management structure. There was a clear leadership structure in place and staff told us they felt supported by management."
“The practice had a clear vision and strategy to deliver high quality care and promote good outcomes for patients. Staff were clear about the vision and their responsibilities in relation to it."
“The practice had introduced formal, multi-disciplinary meetings and we saw documented evidence that staff worked with other health care professionals to understand and meet the range and complexity of patients’ needs."
“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.”
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