Published: 8 January, 2019
A GP practice has been rated "Good” just six months after it was threatened with closure by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Brookdale Surgery in Droylsden Road, Newton Heath, was rated as "Inadequate” by the CQC in July 2018 following an inspection in May.
But a new provider - gtd healthcare - implemented an intensive action plan at the practice and oversaw a dramatic improvement, with all services being rated as "Good” in January 2019.
gtd healthcare, a not-for-profit provider of primary care, urgent medical and dental services across Greater Manchester, took over the management of Brookdale Surgery following the inspection in May 2018 and an agreement with Manchester Health and Care Commissioning.
Previously, the practice was rated "Inadequate” in each of the five key categories by the CQC inspectors.
However, detailed procedures and plans produced and implemented by gtd healthcare has led to all services being now recognised as safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led. Also, staff have been commended for treating patients with compassion, kindness, dignity and respect.
David Beckett, gtd healthcare’s chief executive, said he is thrilled with the new CQC inspection outcome.
"Enormous progress has been made at a practice, which in May 2018, had reached a point where patients and staff were at risk as a result of numerous failures and consequently lost its CQC registration,” he said.
"I am incredibly proud of our staff who have worked tirelessly over the last six months to revive the practice to a level it should be operating at and provide care that the patients of Newton Heath deserve. First and foremost we overcame some of the most difficult challenges to ensure patients are provided with safe care at all times.
"This work demonstrates what gtd is about and how passionate we are about ensuring patients receive the best care possible. Turning a practice around from inadequate to good in a matter of a few months is a huge achievement for the team, and I know has been reflected in the experience of patients and staff alike.
"Patients fed-back to inspectors that the level of care had dramatically improved following the appointment of high calibre medical, nursing and managerial staff to the practice to complement the existing administrative team. We have always received ‘Good’ ratings in all our services, but this is one of the proudest achievements of all given where the practice was when we took it on. As we strive to put patients first this really is a special accolade.”
Of particular importance, the report highlighted that Brookdale Surgery:
In addition, staff stated they are proud to work at the practice, which has been described as well-led, with leaders who have the capacity and skills to deliver high-quality, sustainable care.
It was noted that the practice focused intensely on the needs of patients and there was clear evidence of action to change practice to improve quality.
Moving forwards, a key priority is to further improve how the practice operates and the delivery of patient care, with in-depth clinical patient reviews, data cleansing and ensuring historic issues that have been identified, are acted upon.
David Beckett concluded that he is immensely proud of the progress to date and is confident that now Brookdale Surgery has the right structure and support mechanisms in place, it can only go from strength to strength.
