PATIENTS using what is described as a ‘walk-in centre’ in Ashton have been told they receive a good service after a Care Quality Commission inspection.
And steps have been put in place to raise levels of children getting a measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine after rates fell below 80 per cent.
The Ashton Primary Care Centre, on Old Street, has been given a full review by inspectors for the first time in five years.
Ans the CQC officially rated it as ‘good’, citing a number of positive ways of working and cleanliness, particularly now Covid-19 is among us.
The report into the facility, which is ran by GoToDoc Ltd, said: “The practice provided care in a way that kept patients safe and protected them from avoidable harm.
“Patients received effective care and treatment that met their needs and staff dealt with patients with kindness and respect and involved them in decisions about their care.
“The practice adjusted how it delivered services to respond to and meet the needs of patients during the Covid-19 pandemic – patients could access care and treatment in a timely way.
“The way the practice was led and managed promoted the delivery of high-quality, person-centred care.
“The provider had systems to safeguard children and vulnerable adults from abuse. Policies were regularly reviewed and were accessible to all staff.
“There were clear policies and procedure in place for staff to follow should children not be brought to appointments. Safeguarding training was delivered by gtd Healthcare academy and records showed all staff had been trained to the appropriate level.
“The safeguarding management team worked hard to develop good relationships with other specialist agencies and had been provided with specialist training as needed.
“And appropriate standards of cleanliness and hygiene were followed, and guidance was updated to reflect the latest Covid-19 guidance.
“We observed the premises to be clean and tidy and personal protective equipment and hand sanitiser was readily available for staff and patients.
“The practice was 99 per cent compliant following the latest infection prevention and control audit. We noted from the action plan, action had already taken place where required.”
One area in which Ashton Primary Care Centre fell short of target was in delivery of MMR vaccines to children by the age of five.
With less than three quarters – 74.3 per cent – receiving their jab between April 2020 and March 2021, action is needed to raise that number.
However, the CQC report noted: “The practice was aware of the lower than expected childhood immunisation rates, following the retirement of the practice nurse and have taken steps to improve the uptake.
“They appointed a new nurse who has now completed the relevant training to be able to offer immunisations.
“They have also appointed a locum nurse to support them catch up on immunisations and achieve target.
“The practice team also worked closely with the patient population to educate and promote the benefits of childhood immunisations to increase uptake.”
During the inspection, CQC staff conducted interviews using video conferencing and conducted questionnaires before a site visit.
They also completed clinical searches on the practice’s patient records system and reviewed patient records to identify issues and clarify actions taken by the provider.
They also found patients with long-term conditions were offered a structured annual review to check their health and medicines needs were being met.
For patients with the most complex needs, the GP worked with other health and care professionals to deliver a coordinated package of care.
Ah! That explains all of the new laminated patient information in the waiting room and the bloods appointment, eventually.