'Significant improvements' sees enhanced CQC rating for Leighton Road Surgery in Leighton Buzzard

In its report released this morning (Friday), the CQC has recognised "significant improvements" made to the quality of care provided by the service which joined East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT) in February.

Leighton Road Surgery is now rated as ‘requires improvement’ overall and rated as ‘good’ for providing safe services. It had previously been rated as ‘inadequate’ overall following a previous inspection in 2019, before joining ELFT.

The report, which also took into account the exceptional circumstances of the Covid pandemic, found:

> Staff were proud to work at the practice.

> Patients were involved with their suggestions helping shape and improve practice.

> The practice has an active Patient Participation Group (PPG).

> A monthly blog by lead GP Dr Farah Paruk in the Leighton Buzzard Observer helps inform the public of changes at the practice.

Dr Mohit Venkataram, ELFT Executive Director for Primary Care, said: “I would like to congratulate our fantastic team at Leighton Road Surgery for the hard work and commitment to improving patient care that has made this significant step forward possible.

“The improving CQC rating is an endorsement of the partnership of the staff with the local residents represented, the commissioners and the wider system who have together committed to improving the lives of our residents.

"We are pleased with the positive change in the rating and are acutely aware of the need to continue to work in this direction to fulfil our commitment for the residents of Leighton Buzzard.”

He added: “I am personally grateful to a group of staff who have continued to provide excellent services during Covid and our amazing residents who have adapted so well to the changing times and continued to support us with feedback to improve services.

"This is one step in our ongoing journey as a practice towards developing a surgery that is a community hub for our Leighton Buzzard residents meeting their needs and providing excellent care.”

Paul Calaminus, ELFT Interim Chief Executive, said: “I would like to thank all colleagues at Leighton Road Surgery and all patients involved in the ongoing practice improvement journey.

“Leighton Road Surgery joined the ELFT family in February and the team have demonstrated from the outset their commitment to the Trust approach of continuous improvement through the use of Quality Improvement (QI) and People Participation (PP).”

ELFT also provides NHS mental health and community health services in Leighton Buzzard.

What's your experience with the surgery, or your own practice? Email [email protected]