Inspectors uncover lack of staff criminal record checks at Lincoln GP surgery

Vulnerable patients at a Lincoln GP surgery were potentially left at risk after it was revealed that there was no evidence of criminal record checks for any members of staff.

Inspectors from the Care Quality Commission visited the Burton Road Surgery on December 18, 2015, ranking the overall effectiveness of the practice as “requires improvement” in a report published this month.

The report was raised particular concerns about the lack of records of DBS checks at the practice serving over 2,200 people in the city.

DBS checks, formerly known as CRB checks, identify would-be employees who may be unsuitable for certain work, especially involving children or vulnerable adults.

Universal Health Ltd, a partnership between Lincolnshire and District Medical Services and Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, took over the surgery on July 1, 2015, following previous plans by NHS England to close the practice.

No evidence was either found of safeguarding training for the GP lead or staff who had contact with vulnerable adults and children.

Inspectors also said that staff acting as chaperones and as the infection control lead had not attended relevant training.

The report noted that patient outcomes were lower than average for the locality and compared to the national average.

Despite this, inspectors said that the services were caring, responsive to people’s needs and well-led.

Rebecca Neno, deputy chief nurse at Lincolnshire West Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Burton Road Surgery has been rated as requiring improvement by the Care Quality Commission following a recent visit.

“We note the practice has been rated good in three of five key areas – providing good care, responding to local needs and being well-led.

In the two areas the CQC highlights room for improvement, we are confident the surgery will make these improvements and continue to provide good care for patients.

“The practice has our full support.”

Good results for North Hykeham GP

The Richmond Medical Practice in North Hykeham fared better in its inspection on January 5, being rated overall as “good”.

Inspectors said that the 9,079 patients using the Moor Lane practice received effective, caring, responsive and well-led services, with only some safety issues needing improvements.

The report said: Staff assessed patients’ needs and delivered care in line with current evidence based guidance. Staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to deliver effective care and treatment.”

Deputy chief nurse Neno added: “We are very pleased to see Richmond Medical Practice secure its good rating.

“The report highlights the fact patients said they were treated with compassion, dignity and respect and they were involved in decisions about their care and treatment.”

Inspectors added that systems and processes needed to be brought into place relating to infection control in line with national guidance.

The surgery is expected to ensure consulting and treatment rooms are cleaned as per practice cleaning schedule and guidelines and implementation of carpet cleaning schedules.