Councillors shocked by damning report into Skegness medical practice

Councillors have been shocked by a “damning” report into a Skegness medical practice.

Hawthorn Medical Practice, which has sites in Skegness and Burgh Le Marsh, was rated “inadequate” and placed into special measures by the Care Quality Commission following an inspection in August.

Among other things, the centre was found to be lacking cleanliness, fire risk assessments, up-to-date health and safety risks, training on infection control, medicine management, fully-trained staff and leadership.

At a meeting of Lincolnshire County Council’s Health Scrutiny Committee on Wednesday, chairman and practice patient Councillor Carl Macey, said he was “shocked” by the report and the fact the practice had “been allowed to continue operating”.

“Do you feel this is in any way a safe service for patients?” he asked medical bosses.

Councillor Tom Smith said: “I’ve read some CQC reports in my time and this is shocking. There is no other word for it.

“As I was reading, I was having visions in my head of various horror stories that could befall patients,” he said.

Councillors were concerned about what the report meant for other practices in the area, particularly when it came to recruitment of staff locally.

Councillor Katie Chalmers said the report was desperately sad, however, noted it did praise staff for treating patients with kindness and respect.

“Everything screams to me there’s been a massive failure in recruitment,” she said.

“We really need to help this surgery rather than kick them,” she added before asking whether any other surgeries were “limping towards this kind of result”.

“How many are just two ticks away from sitting here?”

Councillors were told by leaders from Lincolnshire NHS Integrated Care Board that the practice had since held fortnightly meetings with them to address the issues identified by the CQC.

The practice also had regular visits and support from team members and pharmacists.

Terry Vine, deputy director of nursing and quality, told members:” “It is a damning report and its something we don’t like to read.

“The practice put immediate measures in place to address the issues.”

Health bosses said the plan put in place was “robust” and that the ICB was continuing to closely monitor the plan.

Sarah Starbuck, from the ICB, said: “Immediate risks have been reviewed and identified swiftly but there is further work to do I’m not discounting that.

“We’re working closely with the practice in terms of that improvement plan.”

A follow-up visit by CQC is expected in December.