The Falmouth Group Practice in The Borough, Southwark, has been rated Good overall by the Care Quality Commission. It was previously in special measures with a Requires Improvement rating.
CQC rated the practice as Good in all categories - for being: safe; effective; caring; responsive and well-led following an inspection in April 2018.
Inspectors saw one area of outstanding practice regarding the method of training and assessment of competence for pharmacists, introduced by the new contract holder, AT Medics. Pharmacists working for the organisation undertook objective structured clinical examinations using an actor and an examiner which assessed various aspects of their work including prescribing for depression, contraception and pre diabetes. If a pharmacist performed poorly during the assessment, they would receive remedial training.
Concerns at CQC’s previous inspection related to the management of medicines, systems to manage infection control, safeguarding, safety alerts and significant events. Inspectors also found that some pathology results had not been actioned within a reasonable timeframe.
At this inspection CQC found that the provider had addressed all of the concerns raised at our previous inspection. In addition the practice continued to work to improve the standard of care and patient satisfaction after taking over operating the service from the previous provider in January 2017.
The practice had clear systems to manage risk so that safety incidents were less likely to happen. When incidents did happen, the practice learned from them and improved their processes. It routinely reviewed the effectiveness and appropriateness of the care it provided. It ensured that care and treatment was delivered according to evidence-based guidelines.
Staff involved and treated patients with compassion, kindness, dignity and respect. Staff communicated with people in a way that they could understand, for example, communication aids and easy read materials were available.
The practice proactively identified carers and supported them. It had held three carers’ events. Carers who registered with the practice were provided with a carers pack from a local carer support service once they had identified themselves as a carer. The practice provided carers with annual health checks and offered flu immunisations.
Patients found the appointment system easy to use and reported that they were able to access care when they needed it.
There was a strong focus on continuous learning and improvement at all levels of the organisation. Leaders at all levels were visible and approachable. They worked closely with staff and others to make sure they prioritised compassionate and inclusive leadership. The practice had effective processes to develop leadership capacity and skills.
However, there are areas where the provider should make improvements:
- It should continue with work to improve the uptake of bowel and breast screening.
- It should advertise translation services in the reception area.
Professor Ursula Gallagher, Deputy Chief Inspector, Primary Medical Services, said:
“Falmouth Group Practice is now providing Good care and has been taken out of special measures as a result of the significant improvements that the provider has made.
“I was particularly impressed with the practice’s engagement with carers. It is always encouraging to see a practice turn itself around and I would like to thank all that work there for the effort they have put in to achieving a Good overall rating. Patients are now getting the quality of care they have the right to expect.”
You can read the inspection report in full on our website.
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Falmouth Group Practice is now providing Good care and has been taken out of special measures as a result of the significant improvements that the provider has made
Professor Ursula Gallagher, CQC Deputy Chief Inspector, Primary Medical Services