Concerns raised over three GP surgeries

Three doctor’s surgeries in the borough have been listed in the highest priority bands for inspections by the Care Quality Commission. Another five are listed in the second-highest priority band.

The surgeries will be considered for inspection from next year. This is the first time information on all general practices in England has been analysed and published to show the public how it will decide which surgeries to inspect.

It follows the CQC producing a list of 38 indicators, which were used to place surgeries in bands reflecting the urgency of inspection. The indicators included patient experience, official statistics and major surveys.

Across the country, 82 per cent (6,076 practices) were placed in the lowest four bands, of which more than half (3,797) were in band six.

Another 1,200 practices were put in bands one and two - meaning they are listed as high priority for inspection.

Professor Steve Field, chief inspector of general practice, said: “It is important to remember the data isn’t a judgment; only when we inspect can we determine if a practice provides safe, high-quality and compassionate care. The data is a tool to help us decide where to inspect, and when.”

The three local surgeries listed for high-priority inspection are:

• Dr M B Ghafoor & Dr S A Abbasi's Practice, Nye Bevan House, Rochdale
• The Family Practice (Leela Ltd), Bowness Road, Middleton
• Stonefield Street Surgery, Milnrow, Rochdale