A CUMBRIA GP practice has been served a notice of warning from the healthcare watchdog- after it was found to 'require improvement' in an inspection earlier this year.

The Castlegate & Derwent Surgery on Isel Road, Cockermouth was found by inspectors from the Care Quality Commission to 'require improvement' in the provision of services provided to patients- with the watchdog finding shortfalls in safety, responsiveness and leadership- with the 'well led' element of the inspection being rates as 'inadequate'.

A warning notice, issued on the surgery in August, said that the practice 'have failed to establish policies, systems, governance and processes which operate effectively to assess, monitor and improve the quality and safety of care provided'.

Inspectors found that 'patients reported that they were dissatisfied with the ability to contact the practice via telephone and reported difficulty accessing appointments at the surgery'. 

The report also said that patients were 'frustrated' in their ability to collect prescriptions at a pharmacy of their choice, and stated that: " Vulnerable patient groups found it difficult to access a GP when needed."

Castlegate and Derwent Surgery said that they take the finding 'very seriously' and over the last five months have taken 'decisive action' to address any shortfalls highlighted in the inspection implementing changes to try and improve services.

In a statement, The Partners and management team at Castlegate and Derwent Surgery said: "We deeply regret any distress or inconvenience caused by the issues highlighted in the CQC report.

"We want to assure our patients that your health and well-being remain our top priority. We are committed to making the necessary changes to meet and exceed the standards you expect and deserve."

The surgery say they have taken a number of steps to improve since the report, these include:  undertaking enhanced staff training sessions, appointed a new Practice Manager, Mrs Claire Raven earlier this month, rolled out an Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) 'allowing patients to collect their prescriptions more easily from a pharmacy of their choice'.

A new Total Triage system will also be introduced in December 'to better manage appointments availability and prioritise urgent care needs'.