A failing GP practice has been placed in special measures after it was judged unsafe and inadequately managed.
Bradford Road Medical Centre, which has more than 4,600 patients, was rated ‘inadequate’ – the lowest rating – by Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspectors following a visit to the Hillhouse surgery in August.
The practice, run by Dr Munir Butt and Partner, received ‘inadequate’ ratings for safety, effectiveness and leadership.
Now the surgery has been told to improve or face sanctions, including potential closure.
Sue McMillan, CQC Deputy Chief Inspector of General Practice, said: “It is important that the people who are registered with Dr Butt and Partner can rely on getting the high quality care which everyone is entitled to receive from their GP.
“I do not believe that the practice is likely to resolve its challenges without external support. This is why we are placing the practice into special measures.
“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.”
Inspectors recognised that the surgery had made ‘considerable efforts to make improvements’ and rated it ‘good’ for its caring policies and responsiveness towards its patients.
But the CQC expressed concern about the surgery’s training of staff, risk management policy, record keeping.
Inspectors also expressed concern about the condition of the Victorian terrace which houses the building. The practice is, however, due to move to a bespoke new building next year.
The report said: “Arrangements to safeguard adults and children from abuse were not adequate in relation to staff training, clarity of lead roles and identification of patients considered to be at risk...
“Risks to patients and others were higher than necessary as systems to assess, monitor and mitigate risks, such as, policies, procedures, and appropriate training had not been provided for all staff...
“Staff had received role specific training to improve and extend services for patients. However, they had not received training such as health and safety including fire safety, basic life support, safeguarding vulnerable adults and children and infection prevention and control.”
The surgery declined to comment when contacted by The Examiner.
