INSPECTORS from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) praised staff at Highbridge Medical Centre after they received a 'requires improvement' rating.

The medical centre was placed in special measures last year after receiving two inadequate ratings from CQC inspectors in 2015 and 2016 but it has made improvements since it was taken over by new provider, Symphony Healthcare Services in April 2017.

Inspectors visited the centre on June 13 2017 and in their report, published on August 21, they rated centre as 'good' in three out of five areas including caring, leadership and response.

The report states that patients under the medical centre's care felt the service had improved and said they felt there was ' a continuity of care.'

"There was an open and transparent approach to safety and a system in place for reporting and recording significant events" the report said.

"The provider had clearly defined and embedded systems to minimise risks to patient safety.

"Patients we spoke to were complimentary and spoke of a much improved service.

"The practice had good facilities and was well equipped to treat patients and meet their needs.

"There was a clear governance structure within Symphony Health Services, the provider and staff felt supported by management."

Stan Howlett, chairman of the Patient Participation Group at the medical centre said he is 'delighted' improvements the centre has been making have been recognised.

"As a patient, I am already impressed with the way everyone at the practice has been embracing a different way of working and delivering a better experience to the patients; from initial contact with the reception staff to the care received by doctors and healthcare teams.

"I really think it’s a much happier place to visit, with a cleaner, smarter, looking environment.”

However, the surgery also rated as 'requires improvement' in two areas, safety and effectiveness.

Inspectors identified that a shortage in staff was a contributing factor.

An excerpt from the report said: "Risks in regard of patients and staff safety required an additional focus such as infection prevention control, staff mandatory training and staffing levels.

"However there was evidence the practice were working towards rectifying these concerns or risks in regard to patients and staff safety.

"There were not enough clinical staff to keep patients safe.

"The practice had vacancies including two advanced nurse practitioners and 2.25 whole time equivalent GP's.

"They relied on regular GP locums."

Dr Harvey Sampson, Associate Medical Director and Clinical Lead at the medical centre said he agreed with the report findings.

“We are delighted that the recent inspection has highlighted the huge progress that has already been made at the practice; through the hard work and enthusiasm of the teams here in Highbridge and with the support of our central team" he said. 

"However, we also recognise that there is continuing hard work to be done in order to develop and sustain the services for the future.

"I would also like to thank the community, our patients and our Patient Participation Group for their ongoing support and feedback, helping us to develop and make improvements to our services.”

Dr Berge Balian, Medical Director for Symphony Healthcare Services said he is proud of staff at the centre for working hard to make changes.

“We are happy with the outcome of the CQC report and whilst the overall rating is ‘requires improvement’ we are very pleased that three out of five areas have been rated as ‘good’ showing the significant progress that has been made in only a few months" he said. 

"We will continue to develop our healthcare teams along with new ways of delivering healthcare services for patients”