Advising with empathy and experience

GP practice in special measures.

A GP practice in Billesdon, Leicestershire, has been placed into special measures by England’s chief inspector of general practice following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The action was taken after the CQC inspection found the quality of care provided by The Billesdon Surgery to be ‘Inadequate’ overall.

Inspectors rated the practice as ‘Inadequate’ for providing ‘safe, effective services’ that were well led as a result of the inspection on 17 September 2015. The practice was also rated ‘Good’ for being caring and ‘Requires Improvement’ for being responsive.

Deputy chief inspector of general practice and dentistry in CQC’s Central Region, Janet Williamson, said: “It is important that the people registered with The Billesdon Surgery can rely on getting the high-quality care which everyone is entitled to receive from their GP.

"During our inspection we saw that staff were caring and treated patients with compassion, dignity and respect. However, we also found that care and treatment was not always delivered in line with best practice.

“We found significant areas of concern, which is why we are placing the practice into special measures, so opening the way for the practice to receive support from NHS England among others.”

Janet Williamson confirmed that  The Billesdon Surgery had acknowledged  areas where action must be taken.

She added: “We will continue to monitor this practice and we will inspect again in six months to check whether improvements have been made.

“I am hopeful that the practice will do what is required for the sake of its patients, but, if we find that the service remains inadequate, we will consider taking further action.”