England’s Chief Inspector of General Practice has welcomed improvements in the quality of services provided by Hereward Group Practice in Bourne, Lincolnshire.
In February 2016, inspectors identified concerns with regard to the safety and leadership of the practice. As a result the practice was given an overall rating of Inadequate and placed into special measures.
The latest inspection which took place in October 2016 concluded the practice had addressed all areas of concern. It has now been awarded an overall rating of Good across all five areas.
A full report of the latest inspection has been published.
Inspectors found that since the original inspection the practice had taken significant steps to improve leadership, with a focus on improving the quality of its services to patients.
There is now a clear leadership structure and staff felt supported by management. The practice proactively sought feedback from staff and patients, which it acted on.
Examples of key findings and improvements made, included:
- The practice had good facilities and was well equipped to treat patients and meet their needs.
- Patients said they were treated with compassion, dignity and respect and they were involved in their care and decisions about their treatment.
- The practice had a governance framework in place with systems and processes in place to support the delivery of their strategy.
- There was an open and transparent approach to safety and an effective system in place for reporting and recording significant events.
- The practice now had a quality improvement programme in place which included a rolling programme for clinical audit cycles.
- Staff assessed patients’ needs and delivered care in line with current evidence based guidance. Staff had been trained to provide them with the skills, knowledge and experience to deliver effective care and treatment.
Professor Steve Field, Chief Inspector of General Practice, said:
“It was disappointing that our inspection in February highlighted concerns, particularly in relation to whether it was safe and well-led.
“I am very pleased to see that since then, the practice has made significant progress, which has led to a much better service for patients resulting in a new rating of Good and a removal from Special Measures.
“The practice had a clear vision and strategy to deliver high quality care and promote good outcomes for patients. Staff were clear about the vision and their responsibilities in relation to it.
“All of the 32 patient CQC comment cards we received were positive about the service experienced. Patients said they felt the practice offered an excellent service and staff were helpful, caring and treated them with dignity and respect.
“It is clear that the practice took our findings seriously, seeking external advice to help it improve and working hard to implement the necessary changes. All of the staff should be extremely proud of what they have achieved and I applaud the dedication and commitment they have shown to improving the care of their patients.”
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The practice has made significant progress, which has led to a much better service for patients.
Professor Steve Field, Chief Inspector of General Practice