CQC’s programme of inspections helps West Yorkshire GP surgery improve patient care

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has found the quality of care provided by Windsor Medical Centre in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire to be Good following an inspection in May.

During an inspection in January 2016, the practice, which was run by Dr Ajit Pratap Mehrotra was rated as Inadequate and put into special measures. Dr Mehotra sadly passed away and the service has since been taken on by another GP at the practice, Dr Mangipudi Jayashree.

Since January 2016, the practice has implemented changes that the CQC asked to be made. These changes have drastically improved patient care and see the practice’s rating change from Inadequate to Good.            

A copy of the CQC’s report on Windsor Medical Centre can be found: http://www.cqc.org.uk/location/1-3625482092

Beverley Cole, CQC’s Head of General Practice said:

“At an inspection in January 2016 we did not believe that Windsor Medical Centre was likely to resolve its challenges without being placed into special measures.

“The practice was previously rated as inadequate, and the care being provided was ineffective and unsafe.

“Since this inspection, a new provider was awarded the contract to run this practice and we have seen significant improvements in the level of care being provided under this new registration.

“We now see a practice that has an open and transparent approach to safety, and is delivering care in line with current evidence based guidance. 

“The improvements that the provider has made are impressive, and now they must prove that they are able to sustain them. We have however told the provider that they must continue to make improvements to make sure patients are safe. We will return in due course to check on the progress of these improvements.” 

Inspectors found that the practice had made significant progress in addressing concerns that had been identified in January 2016.

Key findings at this inspection included:

• There was an open and transparent approach to safety and a system in place for reporting and recording significant events.
• Staff had the clinical skills, knowledge and experience to deliver effective care and treatment. All staff were up to date with mandatory training.
• Risks to patients were assessed and well managed. For example, health and safety and legionella risk assessments had been undertaken.
• Information about services and how to complain was available and easy to understand.
• Patients said they were treated with compassion, dignity and respect and they were involved in their care and decisions about their treatment.
• Patients said they found it easy to make an appointment with a named GP and that there was continuity of care, with urgent appointments available the same day.