A GP surgery in Amblecote has been placed into special measures after being rated as ‘inadequate’ during a recent inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

As part of their routine programme of inspections, the CQC visited Quincy Rise Surgery, in Sandringham Way, in March, before a focussed inspection was carried out on April 4.

The organisations report on the surgery, which was published this week, found no evidence of disclosure and barring (DBS) checks for staff, and arrangements for managing medicines, including vaccinations, were not robust.

It was found that care plans were not in place for a proportion of patients, while the report states: “The practice did not have an action plan in place to demonstrate how improvements to the service could be made.”

However, the surgery did receive good ratings for its caring and response sections of the inspection, noting the “friendly atmosphere” throughout the practice, with staff praised for being courteous and helpful to patients.

The surgery’s also demonstrated that complaints were “satisfactorily” handled and dealt with “openness and transparency”.

While in special measures, the service will be kept under review and another inspection will be conducted within six months.

Steve Wellings, chairman of Dudley CCG’s primary care commissioning committee, said: “Whilst we are of course concerned with the CQC's report findings, we are working with Quincy Rise Surgery and the CQC inspectors to understand the findings in full.

“We welcome the report as an opportunity for the practice to learn, rectify issues and improve services for Dudley people.

“We will work with the practice to ensure immediate action is taken to address the concerns raised.

“Additional support will also be given to the practice over the next six months so that we can be sure that improvements are made and Dudley people are receiving care that is of the highest quality.”

To read the CQC report in full visit www.cqc.org.uk/location/1-538841332

However, the CCG did receive good news this week with Withymoor’s AW Surgeries receiving an ‘outstanding’ grade for its responsiveness.

During the visit, inspectors identified the high standards of safety in place at the practice and said risks were well managed.

They noted that patients’ needs were assessed and care plans developed using best practice guidance, with the surgery receiving a ‘good’ grade overall.

Other recent ‘outstanding’ borough GP services include Eve Hill Medical Practice, in Dudley, while Moss Grove Surgery, in Kingswinford, received the top marks for its leadership.

Mr Wellings said: “It is great to see AW Surgeries rated as good by the CQC, and for receiving an outstanding rating for being responsive. This is a testament to the excellent skills and hard work of all the staff that played a part in making it happen.

“It is very clear that this is a patient-centred practice that is responding well to the needs of the community it serves which is a real asset to the people living in this part of Dudley.”

Dr Ruth Edwards, GP at AW Surgeries, said: “We are very proud of this achievement which we believe reflects the high level of care we provide to our patients.

“We have a great team at AW surgeries and the CQC visit gave us an opportunity to showcase all the good work that we do. The partners are grateful for the dedication and commitment of all our staff.”