Story Highlight
- Rochdale GP received second inadequate rating for ongoing safety issues.
- CQC warned about safety, governance and staffing failings.
- Wigan hospital among worst for emergency department wait times.
- Inspectors reported significant patient flow issues across the hospital.
- Chief executive vowed to improve care and safety for patients.
Full Story
A Rochdale GP practice, Dr I K Barbar and Partners, has received its second inadequate rating following a Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection, which identified ongoing safety issues. The CQC issued a warning notice to the practice for failures in safe care, governance, and staffing. The watchdog reported that the practice did not consistently address safety concerns or adequately investigate safety events. Patients expressed dissatisfaction, noting that not all staff provided compassionate care. The practice was placed in special measures in December and continues in that status.
In Bolton, several GP services received good ratings. Lever Chambers, located on Ashburner Street, was commended for offering safe care and collaborating with local services for women’s health screenings. The practice also provides home visits for respiratory issues in children. Another GP service, Dr Karim and Dr James-Authe, was similarly rated highly for its supportive environment, employing social prescribers to assist patients with various social issues. Bolton Medical Centre and Homecare Team Ltd also achieved good ratings, with all services praised for their dedication to patient care.
In Manchester, Levenshulme Medical Practice was rated good, with high satisfaction rates reported in a national survey, highlighting effective communication and immediate response to patients’ needs.
In Oldham, Bluebird Care received a good rating for delivering person-centred homecare, ensuring that support was regularly updated according to changing needs.
The Royal Albert Edward Infirmary in Wigan was rated as requires improvement, particularly in its Emergency Department, identified as one of the worst in the country for patients waiting over 12 hours. Concerns were raised about excessive waiting times for speciality beds, with a patient reportedly waiting 44 hours during the inspection. Observations included overcrowded and uncomfortable waiting areas, insufficient patient monitoring during hospital stays, and staffing shortfalls. Chief executive Mary Flemming acknowledged the issues, stating the Trust is committed to making necessary improvements through various initiatives.
Ashton View Nursing Home in Ashton-in-Makerfield was awarded a good rating, with residents and relatives praising the staff and overall care provided, although concerns were noted regarding staffing levels and reliance on agency staff during recruitment.
Source: read the original report.
What this means for your site
This article highlights significant lapses in safety protocols and governance in healthcare settings, particularly the inadequacies reported for Dr I K Barbar and Partners. To prevent such failures, robust monitoring of safety events should be implemented. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 mandates that appropriate measures are taken to ensure safety, which includes rigorous incident reporting and staff training compliance.
Additionally, the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 requires that employers provide safe working conditions, which is clearly lacking in this instance, as evidenced by the insufficient emergency medical equipment and inadequate monitoring of high-risk patients. A concrete step to enhance safety could involve establishing a comprehensive training programme for all employees, ensuring proper induction and ongoing training to fulfill regulatory requirements. Furthermore, implementing a safety event reporting system that escalates concerns immediately may significantly improve patient outcomes and staff accountability.
