A Bermondsey GP surgery has been slapped with the worst possible rating – ‘Inadequate’ – by the care watchdog, only six months after being placed into special measures.
Bermondsey Spa Medical Practice, on Old Jamaica Road, was given the overall rating today after inspectors from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) carried out an inspection of the surgery in January.
As a result of a previous inspection in July 2018, regulators had forced the practice to suspend surgical procedures for three months because it had not been getting consent in the way required under law.
In the latest round of inspections, the watchdog found that improvements had been made to addresses care failings – but it added it had “ongoing concerns” about the sustainability of the changes. The practice is led by Dr Shabir Bhatti.
Antony Hall, who is the CQC’s Head of Inspection for Primary Medical Services in London, said: “Dr Shabir Bhatti’s practice will remain in special measures.
“The service will be kept under review and if needed could be escalated to further enforcement action.
“Patients registered with practices being placed into special measures should be aware that support is offered by NHS England and the Royal College of GPs to ensure that there are no immediate risks to patient safety whilst improvements are being made.”
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In a report detailing what it found during its visit published today, CQC inspectors said it had rated the practice ‘requires improvement’ in the safe, effective and caring categories.
But it added it gave it an inadequate rating overall because of concerns about how well-led and responsive the service was.
Steps the GP surgery should now take included ensuring training and appraisals are completed appropriately and ensuring appropriate arrangements are in place for infection control, the CQC said.
The News contacted the practice for comment, but did not receive a response before publication.
The news comes after a string of eight Southwark GP practices run by the Nexus Health Group were also rated inadequate.
Nexus merged the previously independent Princess Street Group Practice in Elephant and Castle, with Surrey Docks Health Centre, Aylesbury Medical Centre, The Dun Cow Surgery, Commercial Way Surgery, Decima Street Surgery, Artesian Health Centre, and Manor Place Surgery in 2016.
In an updated inspection on March 27, inspectors found the group was still failing to provide safe treatment and care, although improvements had been made.