GP surgery issued warning over patient monitoring

A Leicestershire GP surgery has been issued with a formal warning after failing to properly monitor patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes and asthma.

Castle Medical Group's centre in Ashby-de-la-Zouch has been downgraded by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following an inspection in July, with a formal warning issued on 15 September for failing to meet legal regulations.

The practice, which looks after 18,000 patients, was rated "good" after its last inspection in 2017, but was told it "requires improvement" this year.

Partners at the group said they are "disappointed with the outcome" and are "in the process of making positive improvements".

Inspectors said the facility was caring and responsive, but marked it down for how safe, effective, and well-led it was.

In a sample of asthma patient records, all five raised concerns, as inspectors said planned follow-up appointments had not taken place and opportunities to review treatment following worsening symptoms had been missed.

Out of five diabetes patients, four sets of records had issues, while "appropriate monitoring" was not always in place, with some people overdue diabetes reviews but still receiving prescriptions.

Patient feedback on contacting the practice also raised concerns, with results from the 2026 GP patient survey showing that 58% of respondents had a positive experience of contacting the practice, compared with a national average of 72%.

Despite the flaws identified by inspectors, 98% of patients said they had confidence and trust in the healthcare professional, compared with the national average of 93%.

Inspectors also praised the centre for meeting or exceeding the national targets for child immunisation.

The partners at Castle Medical Group said: "We are disappointed with the outcome from our recent inspection and we are fully committed to addressing the feedback we have received and are in the process of making positive improvements.

"We would like to thank our patients and staff for their continued support."

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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