Care Quality Commission warns it could shut ‘inadequate’ Farmhouse Surgery in Christchurch if it does not improve

A GP surgery in Christchurch which has been rated ‘inadequate’ by inspectors could be closed down if it does not improve within six months.

The Care Quality Commission visited Farmhouse Surgery, based at Christchurch Medical Centre in Purewell Cross Road, on 23rd March.

A report published yesterday (Wednesday) ruled that while care was good, it was neither safe or well led, prompting it to be put in to special measures.

This means it will be re-inspected in six months and if improvements are not made the CQC can order its closure.

The practice, which has three GP partners and employs a further two salaried GPs, has 6,160 patients on its books.

A report said the the practice did not have clear systems and processes to keep people safe and safeguarded from abuse, and there were gaps in systems to assess, monitor and manage risks to patient safety.

Appropriate standards of cleanliness and hygiene were not met and some aspects of medicine management did not ensure patient safety.

It added staff did not have the information they needed to deliver safe care and treatment, and the practice did not always share learning or improvements when things went wrong.

The report said: ”Patients’ needs were assessed but care and treatment was not consistently delivered in line with current legislation, standards and evidence-based guidance.

“There was limited monitoring of the outcomes of care and treatment and the practice did not routinely review the effectiveness and appropriateness of the care provided.”

The scathing report identified that the practice could not demonstrate that all staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles.

It did note that patients were able to access care and treatment in a timely way and complaints were listened and responded to.

It added: “However, it was not clear how learning from complaints was shared to improve the service [and] leadership was not effective at all levels.

“The practice did not always act on appropriate and accurate information and there were no clear and effective processes for managing risks, issues and performance.”

A spokesperson for Farmhouse Surgery said: “It is currently a very challenging time for primary care with practices across the country experiencing higher demand than ever along with ongoing recruitment issues; nonetheless whilst we are of course disappointed by the overall rating from the CQC we would like to reassure our registered patients that we have already started working hard to address the areas identified as needing improvement and are being supported by our local partners.

“Those people who use the practice should feel safe and confident using us as normal, and if they do have any questions or concerns, we invite them to speak to a member of the management team here at the practice in the first instance.”