Surgeries improving after urgent warnings issued

Improvements have been made at three general practice surgeries in Blackpool after they were put in special measures by the health regulator.

Adelaide Surgery has a main site on Elizabeth Street and branch surgeries on Gorton Street and Kentmere Drive and serves about 15,000 people.

Following an inspection in July and August, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) told the practice to make "rapid improvements" focusing on safe care and treatment, make sure fit and proper people were employed, and demonstrate good management.

A focused follow-up visit found it was "working towards" the improvements.

Its previous rating of inadequate remained as inspectors only looked at the specific areas relating to the warning notices.

But they found managers had implemented a new system for managing significant incidents, events and complaints and a new system to record and monitor referrals.

Managers were now reviewing all recruitment documentation to ensure people working at the practice were suitably qualified.

Infection prevention and control has been improved, and outstanding staff appraisals have been carried out.

The practice has also made progress in improving how they listen and involve people in their care, the CQC said.

Adelaide Surgery previously said it fully accepted that improvements were needed and was looking to make "rapid and lasting improvements".

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