A GP practice in Stroud has been rated inadequate after health watchdogs found ‘significant issues’ and declines in a number of areas including a failure to manage safety risks to patients.

Locking Hill Surgery in Slad Road was given the lowest rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), published on Thursday.

The surgery, which has 9,000 patients, was rated inadequate in three of the five assessment areas and all six of the population groups.

This inspection was a follow up to address issues raised in 2015.

“When we inspected the practice in January 2015 we found some breaches of the regulations and told the practice they must take action to correct these,” said chief inspector of general practice professor Steve Field in the report.

“On this inspection we found no evidence that some of the breaches had been actioned.

“There were significant gaps in the essential training completed for staff, for example, there was no record of any staff having received fire training.

“There was no evidence that risks to patients were assessed and appropriate action taken to ensure patients were kept safe.

“Not all appropriate recruitment checks had been undertaken prior to employment for all staff in line with the practice policy.

“For example, there was no record of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check being carried out for one nurse and one receptionist.

“The practice could not evidence that staff had the skills and knowledge to deliver effective care and treatment.

“We were told there was no policy or procedure in regard to health and safety, incidents, significant events or the reporting of injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences (RIDDOR).”

The practice in Slad Road is a teaching and training centre which takes on medical students and doctors undertaking final experience before becoming a GP.

Inspectors did find that the practice staff “went the extra mile” for patients and their relatives, some visited the homes of bereaved families and made themselves available to care for the terminally ill when off duty.

They also stated that staff treated patients with kindness and respect.

An ‘inadequate’ rating also places the GP into special measures, this could lead to the eventual closure of the centre if improvements are not made after further assessments.

Senior partner Dr Ewart Lewis stated on the centre’s website: “We welcome the areas of good clinical practice that were highlighted and are grateful for the positive feedback received from our patients.

“That said, we also recognise the work needed to improve arrangements within the surgery.

“Based on the strengths identified within the report, we are naturally disappointed with the overall rating.

“However, we acknowledge the findings and the whole practice team is determined to address these points.

“We are working closely with NHS Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group, NHS England and our Patient Participation Group (PPG) to develop a detailed Action Plan and are determined to make rapid and measurable improvements where needed.

“We would like to assure you that you will continue to receive high quality and compassionate care here at Locking Hill Surgery and we will also keep you informed of the progress we are making.”