Oxygen used for emergencies at an Essex GP surgery was three years out of date according to a new inspection report – but health bosses disagree with the findings.
Lawford Surgery manager Dr Hazim Ahmad claims a new Care Quality Commission (CQC) report carried out by Professor Steve Field has “many inaccuracies” – and is not a true reflection of the progress they are making.
The practice, which looks after thousands of people in Manningtree, Mistley and Lawford, was ranked as requiring improvement for safety and leadership.
But it was given good ratings for effectiveness, care and responsiveness.
Dr Ahmad said: “We are in dispute with the CQC inspection report, we do not feel it gives a true reflection of the work going on at the surgery.
“We feel there are many inaccuracies in the report, and we will be raising our concerns with them soon.”
According to the report, most safety risks including infection control, medicines and equipment were found to be managed correctly.
But oxygen used for medical emergencies was three years out of date and when mistakes were made lessons were not always learned by staff.
However, patients said they were always apologised to when things went wrong – and told inspectors they were treated with compassion, dignity and respect.
CQC chiefs said they give every provider a chance to see the report in its draft stage before it is published – so Dr Ahmad could have flagged up any concerns before it went out.
A spokeswoman said: “All providers receive a copy of their CQC inspection report in draft form and have a period of time to respond with any factual inaccuracies prior to it being published. “These are considered and where there is inaccuracy, this is corrected prior to publication. “Providers can also appeal against the rating of their report, within a given time frame, after receiving the copy of the final report.
She added: “With regard to the Lawford Surgery, our inspectors have outlined their findings in the report and will return at a future date to check on progress with any improvements needed.”
Go to the CQC’s website to see the full report.
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