It's over: Failsworth Group Practice have their contract terminated

Failsworth Group Practice in The Keppel Building

Failsworth Group Practice have had their contract to provide GP services terminated by Oldham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) after a series of damning reports from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The surgery was placed in special measures earlier this month following a report which labelled the practice 'inadequate'.

Amongst the criticism was a high turnover of untrained staff, poor telephone access for patients, and a failure to respond to complaints adequately.  In addition, there was a failure to monitor patients on high-risk medication, and a 'high number of patients' had a potential missed diagnosis of chronic kidney disease.

Now, the contract to provide GP services at the site has been terminated by the CCG.

Temporary caretaking arrangements are in place so patients can continue to access their GP services at the surgery.

While the temporary arrangements are in place, the CCG will consult with the patients registered at the practice as part of a process to establish a permanent solution.  The Group say patient safety is 'paramount' and they intend to ensure a smooth transition for registered pateients.

Mike Barker, Accountable Officer of NHS Oldham Clinical Commissioning Group, said: "Whilst it is disappointing that we have had to take action to terminate this contract our primary concern has to be to protect and safeguard our patients’ safety. We met with local councillors late last week who reiterated their commitment to working with us to ensure we secure better access to care for patients over the coming days and weeks ahead."

Last week, three local councillors wrote to health bosses to express concerns about Failsworth Group Practice.

One of the authors of the letter, Cllr Pete Davis said: "I am pleased that our action has prompted such swift and decisive intervention by local health bosses. The practice has been providing a poor service to its patients for many years. They have had plenty of time to turn things around but haven’t. I am glad that Oldham Clinical Commissioning Group recognised this and have now intervened."

Patients at Failsworth Group Practice are advised that they do not need to do anything, and will be contacted with options on a surgery transfer. It is understood that this is likely to be either Quayside Medical Practice or Medlock Medical Practice, both of which operate from the same building as Failsworth Group.

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