A GP practice in Southwark, south London, has not been removed from special measures following a repeat inspection by the Care Quality Commission during an inspection in October.
CQC inspectors originally found the Falmouth Road Group Practice in Falmouth Road, Southwark to be Inadequate for providing safe, caring, responsive and well-led services and Requires Improvement for providing effective services in October 2016.
Under CQC’s programme of inspections, all of England’s GP practices are being inspected and given a rating.
Inspectors found that patients were at risk of harm because systems and processes were not in place to keep them safe. These included:
The risks to patients were not always assessed or well managed. The practice had also paid insufficient attention to infection control.
The practice nurse was not administering medicines in line with legislation and one of the partners did not have adequate medical indemnity cover in place.
However, despite a lack of staff to meet patient demand, patients were positive about their interactions with staff.
Ursula Gallagher, Deputy Chief Inspector of General Practice, said:
“It is important that the people who are registered with Falmouth Road Group Practice can rely on getting the high quality care which everyone is entitled to receive from their GP.
“This is the third time we have inspected this practice since April 2015. Normally services placed in special measures do improve with support and special measure can be lifted. However not only has this practice continued to fail to meet the required standards it has, actually allowed the service to deteriorate further. Therefore, we are left no option but use our enforcement powers to protect patients. Falmouth Road Group Practice do have the right to appeal this decision, and patients will be kept informed of any further changes by the local CCG.
“Our priority is always the safety of people using health and social care services and we would not consider this kind of action if we did not feel there was a serious risk to people, their health and wellbeing.”
Ends
For media enquiries, contact Ray Cooling, Regional Engagement Manager (London), on 020 7448 9136 or call the press office on 020 7448 9401 during office hours. Journalists wishing to speak to the press office outside of office hours can find out how to contact the team here. (Please note: the duty press officer is unable to advise members of the public on health or social care matters). For general enquiries, please call 03000 61 61 61.