Stopsley Village Practice in Luton, Bedfordshire was first inspected over a year ago in December 2015, when concerns regarding its leadership and safety were identified, leading to an overall ‘inadequate’ rating.
It was placed in special measures and ordered to make improvements including to ensure that staff are subject to all necessary employment checks and that they receive appropriate training.
A follow-up inspection in August 2016 found that the practice had ‘addressed all areas of concern’, with chief inspector Professor Steve Field giving the practice specific praise for its ‘dedication and commitment’ to make improvements, according to its latest report.
Published this month, it bumped the practice up to 'good' in all five areas the CQC investigates - safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led - in addition to the overall rating.
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Inspectors found that Stopsley Village Practice had ‘a clear leadership structure’, which saw it carrying out audits to help drive improvements in performance and patient outcomes, and supported staff with appraisals and personal development plans.
Professor Field said: ‘We found the providers had significantly strengthened their leadership and management and had taken a proactive team approach towards making and sustaining improvements in quality.
‘The practice had a clear vision and strategy to deliver high quality care and promote good outcomes for patients. Staff were clear about the vision and their responsibilities in relation to it.
‘It is clear that the practice took our findings seriously, seeking external advice to help it improve and working hard to implement the necessary changes.
‘All of the staff should be extremely proud of what they have achieved and I applaud the dedication and commitment they have shown to improving the care of their patients.’
