Halesowen Health Centre's registration could be ‘cancelled’ unless improvements are made
A GP surgery has been placed in special measures due to a lack of cleaning records, unsecure storage of clinical waste and ‘inconsistencies’ across infection control audits.
Halesowen Health Centre has been told by The Care Quality Commission (CQC) it will ‘take action’ by cancelling the surgery’s registration if improvements aren’t made within six months.
The centre’s other branch, Coombswood Surgery, was shut for eight months last year after a dispute between the tenant GP and the landlord over missed rent payments.
A report by CQC inspectors states: “We found leadership and culture was weak in areas and the service lacked consistent practice management for over a year. The practice is rated inadequate for providing safe and well-led services and requires improvement for providing effective services. This affects all six population groups.
“I am placing this service in special measures. If insufficient improvements have been made we will take action in line with our enforcement procedures to begin the process of preventing the provider from operating the service. This will lead to cancelling their registration or to varying the terms of their registration within six months if they do not improve.”
Matthew Lowe, the new practice manager tasked with turning around its fortunes, said: “The quality and standard of care we provide to patients is very important to us.
“We are disappointed with the report’s findings and we have taken action.
I am happy to discuss concerns with patients.”
