GP surgery is put into special measures

A Preston GP whose surgery was placed into special measures has vowed to make improvements.
Frenchwood Surgery, on Frenchwood Avenue, Frenchwood, Preston, which has been placed into special measures after a bad CQC reportFrenchwood Surgery, on Frenchwood Avenue, Frenchwood, Preston, which has been placed into special measures after a bad CQC report
Frenchwood Surgery, on Frenchwood Avenue, Frenchwood, Preston, which has been placed into special measures after a bad CQC report

Following an inspection from the Care Quality Commission, Frenchwood Surgery in Frenchwood Avenue, was deemed inadequate at providing services that were safe, effective and well led.

It also requires improvement for being responsive to patient’s needs and being caring.

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If after six months inspectors deem the practice is still inadequate, they could cancel its registration with CQC.

People that spoke with inspectors said that they were treated with compassion and dignity however, inspectors found:

- There hadn’t been a practice nurse for months, with a locum nurse working only limited hours

- Family members, including children, had been used to interpret during consultations

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- There were no policies or risk assessments in place on how to manage medical emergencies

- The surgery did not have an automated external defibrillator (AED)

- Dignity was at risk to to no curtains around examination couches

Sue McMillan of the CQC said: “I do not believe that the practice is likely to resolve its challenges without external support. This is why we are placing the practice into special measures.”

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Dr Webster, the sole GP at the practice, said: “The main criticism was that we haven’t got a practice nurse. It’s slightly unfair because there is a national struggle for nurses, but we did have a locum nurse and we’ve advertised and a full-time nurse is starting with us in May.

“The CQC have made some useful suggestions, such as a defibrillator, which we have had installed and are getting trained on, and the language line for translations.

“We are definitely taking this report on board and putting things together to address issues by the time inspectors come back in July.”

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