A Reading GP practice is the first in England to come out of special measures, it was announced by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) today.
The Priory Avenue surgery in Caversham was put into special measures in November and in it’s latest CQC inspection was found to have improved in four of the five key areas. Inspectors rated the practice Good for being caring and Requires Improvement for being safe, effective, responsive and well led.
CQC praised the new leadership structure in place, stating that staff felt supported by the management. The practice sought feedback from staff and patients, which it acted on. Staff had received appropriate training and understood their responsibilities to raise concerns and to report incidents and near misses.
Professor Steve Field, chief inspector of general practice, said: “Under a new management team, and with the support of NHS England and the Royal College of GPs, the practice has now set out to provide an accessible, safe and clinically effective service, which will improve the experience and outcomes for its patients.”
Inspectors found that patients’ needs were assessed and care was delivered following best practice guidance. Patients said they were treated well and that they were involved in decisions about their treatment.
“In the circumstances I am delighted to announce that Priory Avenue will come out of special measures and I congratulate them on the progress that they have made so far,” Field added.
