Fewer GP practices still failing on safety

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has published its analysis of the quality and safety of general medical practice in England, finding that 90 per cent of practices in have been rated as ‘good’.

The state of care in general practice 2014 to 2017 report found that four per cent were rated ’outstanding’, 86 per cent were ’good’, eight per cent were ‘requires improvement’ and two per cent were ‘inadequate’ overall. This is not only better outcomes than previous inspections, but the highest performing sector CQC regulates.

However, when inspecting safety, the CQC found that one in seven of the 7,365 GP surgeries are failing on safety, with smaller practices more likely to be rated ‘inadequate’ or ‘requiring improvement’. Regionally, this was highest in London, were 17 per cent of surgeries were rated as ‘inadequate’ or ‘requiring improvement’. In contrast, 98 per cent of practices were rated ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ in the north-east.

The CQC stated that as GPs face ongoing pressures around capacity, patient demand and workload, it discovered that the best practices are driving change and embracing innovation to make sure they are able to deliver even better care into the future.

Steve Field, Chief Inspector of General Practice, said: “This is the first time that we have such a detailed national view of the quality of general practice in England, made possible through CQC’s regulation. Having inspected and rated 7,365 general practices across the country, we have found that the clear majority are safe and of a high quality. Where we identified concerns, most practices have taken action and improved. GPs, practice managers and other primary care staff should be commended for their efforts.

“The challenge is for this focus on quality to be maintained and for general practice to be supported in continuing to give patients this same high standard of care in future while embracing and driving the changes elsewhere in the system. The pressures on GPs are very real but we have found many practices are already delivering care in new and innovative ways to benefit their patients and the wider community.

“The General Practice Forward View sets out the plan for sustainable and high-quality primary care in England. Nearly eighteen months later, the commitments made must continue to be targeted and delivered appropriately to meet people’s local primary care needs. Otherwise, improvements in the quality of care will come to a standstill. We want to encourage continual improvement in the quality of care in general practice so that patients, whoever they are and wherever they are in England, get the high standard of care they have come to expect and deserve.”