CQC identifies significant improvements at Ipswich GP practice

England’s Chief Inspector of General Practice has welcomed improvements in the quality of services provided by Constable Country Medical Practice in Ipswich.

In March, inspectors had identified concerns with regards to the safety and leadership of the practice. As a result the practice was given an overall rating of Inadequate and was placed into special measures

A further inspection which took place in November 2015 has concluded that the practice has addressed all areas of concern and has now been awarded an overall rating of Good.

A full report of the latest inspection has been published on the CQC website.

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. Examples of key findings included:

• Staff understood and fulfilled their responsibilities to raise concerns, and to report incidents and near misses. Information about safety was recorded, monitored, appropriately reviewed and addressed.
• Patients said they were treated with compassion, dignity and respect and they were involved in their care and decisions about their treatment.
• Patients said there were urgent appointments available the same day and that there was continuity of care.
• There was a leadership structure and staff felt supported by the partners and business manager. The practice sought feedback from staff and patients which it acted on.
• Patients’ needs were assessed and care was planned and delivered following best practice guidance. Staff had received training appropriate to their roles and any further training needs had been identified and planned.

Professor Steve Field, Chief Inspector of General Practice, said:

“It was disappointing that our inspection in March highlighted some real concerns, particularly in relation to safety risks caused by poor infection control practice and medicines management.

“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.

“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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