A Merseyside GP practice has received a second damning report following an inspection.
Four Acre Health Centre in St Helens was previously handed an "inadequate" rating following inspection in 2021 - gaining the worst possible rating in three key areas, safety, how effective its services were, and how well led they were. In the most recent inspection, the categories of well-led, and safe remained at the lowest possible rating.
The practice was placed into special measures in September 2021. The most recent inspection found several issues raised in previous inspections had not been addressed.
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Although some improvements were made from previous inspections, including "improvements to processes and procedures to improve patient care," there were remaining concerns regarding the prescription of controlled drugs. The report states that "controlled drugs which were re-issued to patients in the absence of a review," this mismanagement of medication contributes towards the poor safety rating handed to the practice.
A spokesperson for Care Commissioning Groups St Helens said: "Following the recent Care Quality Commission inspection at Four Acre Health Centre, the practice received an overall rating of ‘inadequate’.
“The practice is now developing an action plan which will demonstrate clear milestones to improve the overall rating going forward and the CCG is working closely with the practice to ensure the required improvements are addressed. This action plan will be monitored regularly over the next few weeks to ensure it is followed and milestones achieved. The rating for the practice will remain in place until the CQC re-inspect.
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“While the inspection rating is disappointing and understandably worrying for patients, the CQC rated the practice ‘good’ for having services that were caring and it was highlighted that the provider had made improvements to processes and procedures to improve patient care. It was also highlighted that staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to deliver effective care, support and treatment.
“The practice also continue to work with other local practices in their Primary Care Network to deliver the Covid-19 booster vaccinations for their patients.”
