Telford medical practice 'requires improvement'

Dawley Medical Practice was rated 'good' by the Care Quality Commission in 2015, but its overall rating has fallen to 'requires improvement' following its latest inspection.

Health commissioners say the King Street medical practice previously faced some recruitment challenges but an action plan is now in place to drive forward improvements.

A recently-published report, outlining the findings of the inspection last October, said people were not always protected from avoidable harm.

Inspectors said the systems for checking patients on medicines requiring monitoring was 'reactive'.

Two members of staff had also been identified as chaperones but were not trained for the role, and one had not received a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Not all reception and administrative staff had received training in safeguarding children, according to the report.

And inspectors said further work was needed to improve patient satisfaction in relation to access to care and treatment.

The report said: "Some patients felt that there were unacceptable waiting times and delays in getting to see a GP.

Compassion

"Some patients reported that some improvements had been noted in the appointment system, whilst others felt that the appointment system needed further review."

The medical practice was rated as 'requires improvement' for the safety, responsiveness and leadership of its services.

However, it also received a 'good' rating for how caring and effective its services are.

The report said staff treated patients with kindness, respect and compassion, and helped patients to be involved in decisions about care and treatment.

Commenting on the effectiveness of services, inspectors said: "We saw that clinicians assessed needs and delivered care and treatment in line with current legislation, standards and guidance supported by clear clinical pathways and protocols.

"Patients’ immediate and ongoing needs were fully assessed. This included their clinical needs and their mental and physical wellbeing.

"We saw no evidence of discrimination when making care and treatment decisions.

"Staff advised patients what to do if their condition got worse and where to seek further help and support."

The medical practice is part of Telford and Wrekin Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

Telford & Wrekin CCG spokesman Richard Caddy said: “Dawley Medical Practice has had some challenges in terms of GP recruitment but are now up to full complement and are working closely with the CCG and NHS England to improve their 2019 'requires improvement' status – receiving good ratings for being effective and caring.

"Their action plan for improvement has been developed in partnership with the CCG and NHS England colleagues and we are confident that they will regain their overall 'good' rating this year.”