Agenda item

(To receive a report which advises the Committee of the actions taken both in advance of and following the publication of an inspection report by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) on 2 August 2021, on the Lakeside Medical Practice (Stamford).  Wendy Martin, Associate Director of Nursing & Quality, Andy Rix, Chief Operating Officer (South Locality) and Nick Blake, Head of Transformation and Delivery (South Locality) will be in attendance for this item)

The Chairman invited the following presenters from the Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG): Wendy Martin, Associate Director of Nursing and Quality,) and Nick Blake, Head of Transformation and Delivery (South Locality), to remotely present the report to the Committee.  The Committee was advised of an apology from Andy Rix, Chief Operating Officer (South Locality).

The report advised of the actions taken both in advance of and following the publication of an inspection report by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) on 2 August 2021 on the Lakeside Medical Practice (Stamford).  It was noted that the CQC report had found Lakeside Stamford to be 'inadequate' and as a result had put the practice into special measures.

The report also provided the Committee with details of the mitigating actions taken by Lakeside, Stamford, plus assurance and support activity for Lakeside by the Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group.

Summary details relating to the response of Lakeside, Stamford to address all areas of concern were shown on pages 50 and 51 of the report pack.

It was highlighted that the CCG was satisfied with the progress of the practice to date and the Committee was advised that the CCG would be continuing to meet with the practice at regular intervals to receive on-going assurance on the improvement actions and to provide support and guidance when required.

It was reported that Patient Participation Group (PPG) chair would be gaining feedback from patients, through an email address, online survey and from postcards left at the surgery.

It was also reported that CQC representatives had also been satisfied with the progress made by the practice. The Committee noted that the CQC had carried out a re-inspection in the week commencing 30 August and that a update on progress and any issues identified following the re-inspection were expected to be received in the near future.

The Committee was invited to review and consider the report to improve care provision from Lakeside Healthcare General Practice (Stamford). During discussion, the following comments were raised:

·       The CQC Inspection Regime.  The Committee noted that when the practice had been inspected previously, it had been rated as 'good'.  As a result of issues raised by patients and patients groups the CQC had made an inspection on 8 June 2021 and found the practice to be 'inadequate' and as a result had placed the practice into special measures.  Some concern was expressed that action should have been taken sooner; 

·       Whether there was a monitoring process that checked that the concerns highlighted by patients had been addressed.  The Committee was advised that the PPG would be obtaining feedback from patients through an on-line survey and from postcards left at the surgery. Reassurance was given by the Healthwatch representative that some improvements had already been made, but there was still some concerns as to whether the local voice was being listened too; and whether there were communication problems, as the practice was part of a larger group;

·       Whether lessons had been learnt which could assist other practices?  Confirmation was given that lessons had been learnt and that these would be shared with other practices.  Some Committee members felt that further information concerning the lessons learnt should have been included in the report, and that a further report should be made available to the Committee advising of the lessons learnt to help ensure that the situation did not happen in other GP practices;

·       That further information needed to be made available regarding the workings of the telephony system; and the advice available to patients on the website;

·       Some concern was also expressed regarding contractual obligations and whether these were being adhered to.  The Committee noted that the contracts were standard national contracts and that clauses and penalties were part of the said contracts;

·       Reassurance was sought that the action plan identified timeframes by which the highlighted actions needed to be completed by.  A summary of the required main actions and their current status was provided on pages 50 and 51 of the report pack.  The Committee noted that the practice was still within the period set by the CQC for improvements.  It was noted further that if it was found that insufficient progress had been made and a practice was still deemed inadequate, the CQC could de-register a practice;

·       When the outcome of the re-inspection would be made available.  The Committee noted that indications were that improvements had been made, but that the practice still had some further work to do.  It was highlighted that the practice had been very receptive to help and would be receiving additional support to help them improve; and

·       What the biggest challenges were for Lakeside in the coming months.  The Committee was advised that the biggest challenge was gaining back patient trust; and making sure that staff at the practice were well informed, trained and supported.    

The Chairman on behalf of the Committee extended thanks to the presenters; and their best regards were extended to Andy Rix, Chief Operating Officer (South Locality).

RESOLVED

1.    That the Committee's concerns be recorded concerning the standards of care provided by the Lakeside Medical Practice, which had led to the Care Quality Commission's rating of 'inadequate'.

2.    That a request be made for a copy of the practice action plan to address all areas of concern highlighted by the CQC; and information relating to lessons learnt.

3.    That the actions taken by Lakeside Medical Practice to date in response to the inspection be noted and that a further update be received at a future meeting.