Nexus health group is expecting the Care Quality Commission to report an improvement to its care after serious failings came to light in a series of inspections last year.
Initial feedback seen by the News shows site inspections from October 23, and October 29 have confirmed improvement has been made in all critical areas including patient safety and care, and the group’s leadership.
After a shocking series of criticisms across all nine Nexus GP practices, that led to the CQC branding it “inadequate”, Nexus has overhauled many of its processes.
A contract breach notice, issued by Southwark Clinical Governance Group, after the failings were reported has now been cleared.
The CQC’s latest report is expected to be published within eight weeks. The News understands a key change has been centralising its management and oversight across all surgeries – rather than operating as eight separate sites.
A spokesperson for Healthwatch Southwark said: “Healthwatch welcomes this update on progress from Nexus, which serves a fifth of all Southwark patients, following the concerning issues identified last year.
“We hope the re-inspection will reassure the CQC, us, and patients that the measures put in place have been effective, that the practice is meeting the essential requirements of patient safety and that it is now well-led.”
Nexus’s chief officer, Daniela Valdés, said: “I am proud of what we have achieved so far and leading this organisation.
“A massive thank you to the team for their hard work, but mostly for their optimism and patience during this period.
“We also wish to recognise the support we received from our patients, NHS Southwark CCG, the Care Quality Commission, and the Royal College of GPs for their friendly challenge in our journey towards improvement.”
Nexus Health Group comprises of Artesian Health Centre; Aylesbury Medical Centre; Commercial Way Surgery; Decima Street Surgery; Dun Cow Surgery; Manor Place Surgery; Princess Street Practice; Sir John Kirk Close Surgery; and Surrey Docks Health Centre.
Inspections in 2018 highlighted serious concerns that, in a follow-up visit in February 2019, had still not been resolved.
In March, a report from the CQC said the group was still failing to provide “safe treatment and care”.
A raft of issues included training and skills gaps, a backlog of tasks including test results pending action, and those taking “high-risk” medication in need of treatment reviews, and health and safety lapses and basic administrative oversights including uncollected, unsecured prescriptions.