GP surgery rated '˜inadequate' by health watchdog

A GP surgery has been rated 'inadequate' and placed into special measures despite being praised by patients when the health watchdog visited.

Windsor Medical Centre could potentially be closed down by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) if improvements are not made in the next six months.

Inspectors criticised training and record keeping at the surgery on William Street, Dewsbury, and found that some staff had not had criminal records checks.

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The surgery, which is run by Dr Ajit Pratap Mehrotra was rated inadequate overall, for being safe, effective and well-led.

But it was rated “good” for being caring and responsive under the CQC’s inspection criteria.

Inspectors found that 100 per cent of patients found it easy to contact the surgery by phone, compared to the national average of 73 per cent.

And all 20 comments cards filled in by patients had positive words about the practice.

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The CQC report said: “We spoke with three patients during the inspection.

“All three patients said they were happy with the care they received, found it easy to make appointments and thought staff were approachable, committed and caring.”

Among improvements ordered by the CQC was ensuring safety incidents were recorded and investigated and updating the patient records system.

Sue McMillan, the CQC’s deputy chief inspector of general practice, said: “It is disappointing that the practice was rated inadequate, however, this will be an opportunity for the practice to address these issues.

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“I am pleased that the practice has accepted our findings and undertaken to address these.

“Placing the practice in special measures will mean it can access external support to make the improvements necessary for good patient care.

“After a period of six months we will inspect again to check whether sufficient improvements have been made.

“If we find that the service provided by this practice remains inadequate, we will consider taking steps to cancel its registration with CQC.”

The CQC said there were no immediate risks to patient care at the surgery

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