Wolverhampton GP chaperones had no criminal checks

Inspectors from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) found a sign in the waiting room at Caerleon Surgery, in Dover Street, Bilston, which advised patients that chaperones were available if required.

But the non-medical staff who assisted patients had not had a Disclosure and Barring service (DBS) check completed to confirm that they were suitable and safe.

Practice bossed said all members of staff had a DBS check completed and approved within seven working days of the visit in February.

Overall the surgery was deemed to 'require improvement' despite praise for treating patients with compassion and providing a continuity of care.

Read the full CQC report of Caerleon Surgery here

Professor Steve Field, Chief Inspector of General Practice at the CQC, said: "The practice had systems in place to keep patients safe and safeguarded from the risk of abuse. However pre-employment checks for staff were not robust to ensure the safety of patients.

"DBS checks had not been completed for non-clinical staff who carried out chaperone duties or an appropriate risk assessment carried out to demonstrate why a DBS check was not in place. Non-clinical staff had also not completed training in health and safety, infection control and chaperoning."

The CQC report states the Bilston surgery provides primary medical services to around 3,275 patients.

It employs a total of nine full and part time staff, including two GPs, a nurse, a practice manager and five receptionists.

Patients told inspectors they were treated with compassion, dignity and respect and they were involved in their care and decisions about their treatment.

They also reported that information about services and how to complain was available and easy to understand.

Professor Field, added: "Patients said they found it easy to make an appointment with a named GP and there was continuity of care, with urgent appointments available the same day.

"The practice was well equipped to treat patients and meet their needs. Information about how to complain was available and easy to understand and evidence showed the practice responded quickly to issues raised.

"Learning from complaints was shared with staff and other stakeholders."

Despite the praise, practice bosses were told they must take steps to ensure that staff who undertake the role of a chaperone have a DBS check or an appropriate risk assessment carried out to demonstrate why a DBS check is not in place.

Dr Mohammad Asghar, who runs the practice, said: "At the time of the visit all clinical members of staff along with the practice manager did have an up-to-date DBS check in place."

"Risks assessments had already been put in place for staff members who have direct contact with patients.

"Two of the four remaining administration staff had been at the surgery for more than twelve years, but following the advice of the QCQ all members of staff had a DBS check completed and approved within seven working days of the visit."

The surgery is currently waiting to hear whether plans to build a single-storey rear extension for a staff room and additional consulting room will be approved or denied by Wolverhampton council.

The proposals were recommended for refusal by planners but in April were deferred for further consideration.