GP surgery placed in special measures after watchdog finds '˜significant areas of concern'

In December inspectors from the Care Quality Commission visited Stopsley Village Practice, on Ashcroft Road, to assess its performance.

In a report published on Thursday the CQC ruled that the surgery is inadequate and as a result it has been placed into special measures.

Among the chief concerns of inspectors are the safety and management of the surgery, which are both said to well short of required standards.

The report read: “Risks to patients were assessed but identified actions were not implemented fully enough, for example, in relation to fire safety and legionella.”

It added: “Patients were at risk of harm because systems and processes were not in place to keep them safe.

“For example, there was no recruitment policy and some pre-employment checks were lacking.

“Essential training had not been completed by all staff members.”

Inspectors added their worries that the practice is paying ‘insufficient attention’ to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

Janet Williamson, CQC’s central deputy chief inspector, said that the shortcomings amounted to ‘significant areas of concern’.

CQC will monitor Stopsley Village Practice and will inspect it again within six months.

Ms Williamson said: “I am hopeful that the practice will do what is required for the sake of its patients, but if we find that the service remains inadequate, we will consider taking further action.”

In a statement Luton Clinical Commissioning Group chair Dr Nina Pearson said that the CCG and NHS England will support the practice in producing an action plan.

Dr Pearson added: “We wish to reassure patients of Stopsley Village that we will work with the practice to ensure that the quality of care delivered is safe, effective and well-led.”