West Bromwich GP practice’s records 'illegible and inaccurate'
A GP’s surgery in West Bromwich has been rated inadequate by health inspectors, who found medical records were illegible and contained inaccurate information.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has given it lowest rating to most areas of the Dr Nisha Pathak practice on High Street – with the exception of care, which it found to be good.
The practice shares premises with other health providers at the Primary Care Centre in West Bromwich, which were not part of the commission’s inspection.
In their report, inspectors criticised safety as inadequate, saying: “We found no evidence to demonstrate that clinical supervision was in place. This included the review of clinical practice to ensure patient’s care and treatment was being managed appropriately.”
In addition the clinical system showed ‘high numbers’ of tasks had not been taken, including referrals to other services and safeguarding information.
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The inspectors added: “We found some consultation records were illegible, incomprehensible and inaccurate information had been recorded.”
The latest findings come after two previous inspections by the commission rated the practice as requiring improvement.
Inspectors also criticised the surgery’s management, saying it could not demonstrate the capacity and skills to deliver high quality, sustainable care, adding: “The overall governance arrangements were ineffective. The practice did not have clear and effective processes for managing risks, issues and performance.”
Rating caring for patients as good, the commission said: “During the inspection we saw staff treating patients with kindness and respect. However, patients were not always aware of support available to them.”
A spokesman for Sandwell and West Birmingham CCG, which commissions and oversees primary care, said: “We are aware of the recent CQC inspection at this practice and we are taking the findings in the report very seriously.
“Maintaining patient safety remains our main priority. We have been working to implement changes, including the introduction of three new partners to this practice, who – with the support of the CCG and the Royal College of General Practitioners – are working hard to address the shortfalls identified by the CQC.”
The Dr Nisha Pathak practice has been contacted for comment.
