England’s Chief Inspector of General Practice has welcomed improvements in the quality of services provided by LPS - Weatheroak Medical Practice in Sparkhill, Birmingham.
In October 2016, inspectors identified concerns with regard to the leadership, effectiveness, responsiveness 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.
LPS - Weatheroak Medical Practice is located in the Sparkhill area of Birmingham and has a patient population of 2,620.
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 all five areas with a focus on improving the quality and safety of its services to patients.
Examples of key findings and improvements, included:
- People were protected by a strong, comprehensive safety system and a focus on openness, transparency and learning when things went wrong.
- There was a clear leadership structure and staff felt supported by management. The practice proactively sought feedback from staff and patients, which it acted on.
- Patient outcomes were above local and national averages.
- The practice had clearly defined and embedded systems to minimise risks to patient safety.
- The practice had appropriate arrangements to identify patients who were carers to enable them to receive care, treatment and support that meets their needs.
- Patients’ satisfaction with how they could access care and treatment was in line with or above local and national averages.
- The practice had good facilities and was well equipped to treat patients and meet their needs.
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 a mission statement, which included providing high quality healthcare with dignity and respect, in a culturally sensitive manner and without any kind of discrimination. Staff demonstrated they knew and understood these practice values."
“Practice staff reviewed the needs of its local population and engaged with the NHS England Area Team and the Clinical Commissioning Group to secure improvements to services where these were identified."
“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."
“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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