During an assessment under our new approach
Date of Assessment: 30 September 2025 to 7 October 2025. We carried out an unannounced assessment due to concerns raised with us.
Fordbridge Medical Centre is a GP practice and delivers service to approximately 8,000 patients under a contract held with NHS England. The National General Practice Profiles states that the ethnic make-up of the practice area is 78% white, 14% Asian, 9% Black, or originating from mixed or other ethnic groups. Information published by Office for Health Improvement and Disparities shows that deprivation within the practice population group is in the 8th decile (8 of 10). The lower the decile, the more deprived the practice population is relative to others. This assessment considered the demographics of the people using the practice, the context the practice was working within and how this impacted service delivery. Where relevant, further commentary is provided in the quality statements section of this report.
The practice encouraged a learning culture, and people understood how to raise concerns. While managers investigated incidents, learning was not consistently identified or used to drive improvement. Patients were generally protected and kept safe. However, leaders did not always demonstrate effective risk management. Facilities and equipment met patient’s needs, but we observed areas of the premises that were visibly dirty and found expired consumables, including emergency equipment. Records showed gaps in training compliance and safe recruitment processes were not always followed. Medicines were managed safely, and staff involved patients in planning any changes to their treatment.
Patients were involved in assessments of their needs. Staff reviewed assessments taking account of patient’s communication, personal and health needs. Care was based on latest evidence and good practice. Staff worked with all agencies involved in patient’s care for the best outcomes and smooth transitions when moving services. Staff made sure patients understood their care and treatment to enable them to give informed consent. Staff involved those important to patients took decisions in patient’s best interests where they did not have capacity.
Patients were treated with kindness and compassion. Staff protected their privacy and dignity. They treated them as individuals and supported their preferences. Patients had choice in their care and treatment. The practice supported staff wellbeing.
Patients were involved in decisions about their care. The practice provided information patients could understand. The practice was easy to access and worked to eliminate discrimination. Patients received fair and equal care and treatment. The practice worked to reduce health and care inequalities through training and feedback. Patients were involved in planning their care and understood options around choosing to withdraw or not receive care.
We found that the practice had experienced an extended period of change. Since the most recent leadership changes, improvements were evident. However, at the time of our assessment, concerns remained regarding governance oversight. There was no credible strategy in place to achieve and embed sustainable improvements. Staff we spoke with were very positive about the recent changes and described a noticeable improvement in the culture of the practice. We found that leaders in the practice were responsive to feedback provided during their assessment and have told us they have already addressed some of the concerns we raised.
We found breaches of regulation in relation to safe care and treatment and good governance. We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this assessment.