A Bromley surgery has hit out at a public health regulator after it was told it must improve its services.

The Anerley Surgery in Anerley Road was found to have lower than average patient satisfaction ratings as well as being in breach of certain legal requirements, following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The report stipulated that gaps in recruitment documentation, staff training and a lack of a robust system to manage processes such as referrals and test results were in breach of regulation 17(1) of the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

The CQC stated that the surgery must take steps to establish governance systems that enable the practice to operate effectively.

In response to the CQC’s findings, the surgery’s senior GP Dr Pattapola said: “We are not given any guidance by NHS England or by the CQC as to exactly what measures they require prior to inspection. The CQC does not publish practice best practice procedures so that all GP surgeries can raise standards.

“The government prefer the stick to the carrot.”

Practice manager Mr Abey added: “On top of all this the fees we pay have trebled in the last year. It just seems a waste of NHS money if all that knowledge is not put to use.”

In a survey of over 100 patients, 61 per cent said they would recommend the GP practice compared to the national average of 79.5 per cent. The survey also highlighted that 59 per cent of patients were able to get an appointment the last time they tried. The national average is 76 per cent.

Natasha Carsten, a patient at the surgery, told News Shopper: “I suppose the downside is that it is just Dr Pattapola at the surgery, along with one other GP, but you are aware of that when you sign up.

“I have seen other patients getting frustrated at waiting times, but I’m not sure that’s the fault of the surgery. Sometimes they are a bit slow in giving us information.

“Dr Pattapola himself does an amazing job. He’s very attentive and goes over and above what is required of him.”

The surgery was rated as good for providing a safe, caring and responsive service to its patients.

The report found that staff felt supported by the management and that patients said they were treated with compassion, dignity and respect. Facilities and equipment at the surgery were found to be good.

The Anerley Surgery provides services to approximately 2600 patients.

Representatives from CQC took an unannounced visit to the surgery in November. Ratings are given based on observations by the unannounced CQC team and on conversations with staff, residents and their relatives.

The report is part of CQC's programme of inspections, with all adult social care services given a rating.

The CQC is an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Department of Health. It is responsible for regulating all health and social care services in England.

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