York city GP service exits special measures

Published: 27 February 2019 Page last updated: 27 February 2019

Wenlock Terrace Surgery, operated by unity Health, in York has been removed from special measures following a CQC inspection in January this year.

The practice was entered into special measures after an inspection in May 2018, the inspection was prompted by information of concern and uncovered several serious shortfalls in patient care and risk management, rating it Inadequate overall. At the conclusion of the inspection CQC issued two warning notices to the practice, and a condition restricting the service from admitting new patients was applied to its registration.

Inspectors returned to the service in September and noted action had been taken to address the concerns, resulting in the warning notices and condition being lifted. However, the service remained in special measures to ensure enough time and additional support was available so it could sustain the improvements.

The latest inspection rated Wenlock Terrace Surgery Good overall and for services that are safe, caring, responsive and well-led. Effective services were rated Requires Improvement. Inspectors found that risk management and governance systems were embedded, lessons were being learned and shared amongst staff, medicine prescriptions were being monitored to ensure patient safety and staff were supported with relevant supervision and training. Inspectors did report, however, that some patient population groups were not well supported. 

You can read the reports in full on CQC’s website at: www.cqc.org.uk/location/1-540482382

Allison Holborn, Deputy Chief Inspector of General Practice for the North, said:

“It is very encouraging that the practice has taken our previous inspection findings seriously and worked hard to make the necessary improvements to ensure patient safety.

“The practice improved quickly and has shown determination to sustain the quality of its care and treatment. They deserve to be congratulated for their considerable efforts. However, there is some work to do particularly for patients with long term conditions. We will return to the practice to check on its progress and report on our findings in due course.”

Ends

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The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of health and social care in England.

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