CQC make welcome announcement on Blackpool GP surgery rated as 'inadequate'
Improvements are underway at a Blackpool GP surgery slammed as ‘unsafe’ by Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspectors last year.
Adelaide Surgery is a GP practice that delivers services to over 15,000 people. It has a main site at Elizabeth Street, and two branch surgeries at Gorton Street and Kentmere Drive.
In November, the Gazette revealed how the CQC had placed the practice into special measures following an inspection in July and August. Inspectors issued three warning notices to focus management’s attention on making immediate improvements regarding safe care and treatment, making sure fit and proper people are employed and good management.
Improvements
Now, a follow-up focused inspection has taken place to check if the practice has made the necessary improvements to meet the requirement of warning notices. Inspectors found the practice has made the improvements and now complied with the warning notices. The service’s previous rating of inadequate remains as inspectors only looked at the specific areas relating to the warning notices.
Inspectors found:
- Since the previous inspection, leaders have adopted a new system for managing significant incidents, events and complaints.
- The practice has introduced a system to record and monitor referrals, including urgent referrals to other services.
- Managers are now undertaking reviews of all recruitment documentation to ensure people working at the practice are suitably qualified.
- Staff have taken action to improve infection prevention and control measures throughout the service.
- Leaders have implemented a new process for the management, oversight and security of blank prescriptions for people.
- The practice has made progress in improving how they listen and involve people in their care options.
- Leaders promoted freedom to speak up options to staff to help improve their knowledge of the processes, so they feel supported at work.
- Leaders have caught up on outstanding staff appraisals and introduced a documented system of induction for new staff.
The report will be published on CQC’s website in the next few days.
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