Wigan surgery blasted for safety failings

A Wigan GP surgery has been pulled up by watchdogs for failings in infection control and inadequate staff checks.
Golborne Health CentreGolborne Health Centre
Golborne Health Centre

Dr Anis and Anis, at Golborne Health Centre, have been told that the practice requires improvement following an inspection from the Care Quality Commission.

Following an unannounced visit of the practice, which currently provides care services for more than 4,700 patients, inspectors have raised concerns regarding several breaches of the Health and Social Care Act.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

CQC auditors said: “The registered person did not do all that was reasonably practicable to assess, monitor, manage and mitigate risks to the health and safety of service users. This was because staff records in all cases were not fully complete and did not contain details such as induction received and identity checks.

“There was an Ambu bag (resuscitator) available but no single use masks. There was a system for receiving and acting on safety alerts, however not all staff were aware of this.”

The practice was also criticised for not having “proper and safe management of medicines”. Inspectors noted: “The practice kept the main stocks of prescription stationery securely, but there was no system in place to monitor use.

“There was no proper assessment of the risk of, and preventing, detecting and controlling the spread of infections, including those that are healthcare associated.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“In particular, annual infection control audits had not been carried out and the lead for infection control had received no training.”

Dr Anis and Anis has been commended for certain aspects of the practice, including their responsiveness to vulnerable patients and those with special needs. “Staff interviewed had a good understanding of how to support patients with mental health needs and those patients living with dementia,” said CQC inspectors.

“The practice held GP-led dedicated mental health and dementia clinics.

Patients who failed to attend were proactively followed up by a phone call from a GP.”