A GP practice has been criticised by the health watchdog for its monitoring of patients given high-risk medicines.
A Care Quality Commission (CQC) assessment rated the Friarsgate Practice in Winchester as Requires Improvement.
It found breaches of health regulations and concluded there was a “lack of effective governance systems” within the practice.
The Friarsgate Practice said its systems had already been “reviewed and where necessary rectified”.
“We found that patients who were prescribed high-risk medicines were not always monitored appropriately to ensure safe care and treatment was provided,” it said.
It cited one case in which a patient had been prescribed an anti-inflammatory medicine and antiplatelet medicine with no protection against the risk of bleeding.
In another case, a patient had been prescribed a medicine used for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease as well as one used to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. This combination was advised against by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Inspectors also highlighted that not all fridges at the practice’s branch had been appropriately locked to ensure access was restricted from members of the public and other organisations using the same premises.
The assessment did find the practice responded to complaints “in a timely manner” and that “learning outcomes had been shared with staff and teams”.
It also said the practice took “immediate action” in relation to concerns raised by the CQC assessment team.
In a statement, Friarsgate Practice acknowledged there were “some areas for improvement” highlighted by the CQC, but also criticised the “significant delay” in the commission publishing its findings.
“We will take on board the CQC feedback and work with our patients to ensure we continue to deliver the best possible care.
“We remain very proud of our constant openness and flexibility to review and respond to feedback, and the positives such adaptability brings.”
The practice was rated as Outstanding for being responsive to patients’ concerns and feedback.
Sarah Carter is a health and wellness expert residing in the UK. With a background in healthcare, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, promoting healthier living for readers.
