CQC rates Chatham Street Surgery, Reading, as Inadequate and places it in special measures

The Care Quality Commission has placed the Chatham Street Surgery in Reading into special measures following a comprehensive inspection which has rated it as Inadequate.

The practice will now be able to access support from NHS England and the Royal College of General Practice to help it improve.

Under CQC’s programme of inspections, all GP practices are being given a rating according to whether they are safe, effective, caring, responsive and well led.

The full report from the Chatham Street Surgery inspection, in August 2015, has been published on this website.

Patients told CQC that the use of locum GPs meant they did not receive continuity of care and that this caused them some concern.

Inspectors found significant concerns regarding medicines management. The surgery did not have robust systems in place in order to monitor and record fridge temperatures.<.p>

There were no processes to ensure that practice nurses administered vaccines in line with legal requirements and national guidance.

Patient outcomes were below average for the locality, and patients' needs were not always assessed. However, some audits had taken place to identify where improvements in patient care could be made.

Ruth Rankine, CQC Deputy Chief Inspector of General Practice said:

“Over the past three years the Chatham Street Surgery has seen a significant amount of change, and a lack of clear leadership and management.

“We have found sufficient areas of concern to place this practice into special measures. This will enable them to receive a package of support to help them improve, from NHS England and the RCGP.

“We will continue to monitor progress and we will inspect again in six months to check whether sufficient improvements have been made. I am hopeful that the practice will do what is required for the sake of their patients, but if we find that services remain inadequate, we will consider taking further action."

Dr Geoff Payne, Medical Director, NHS England, said:

"The CQC report identifies improvements that need to be made in a number of areas including monitoring performance, medicines management and managing risks.

“Patient safety is our top priority. Together with South Reading Clinical Commissioning Group, we are supporting the practice to develop and implement an action plan so that they can make improvements quickly.

“We encourage patients to continue to support the practice during this time.”

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For further information please contact Yetunde Akintewe, CQC Regional Engagement Manager, on 07471 020 659. For media enquiries, journalists wishing to speak to the press office outside of office hours can find out how to contact the team here. For general enquiries, please call 03000 61 61 61.