A MEDICAL centre which was threatened with closure after being put into special measures has undergone major changes, a recent inspection reveals.

The Olive Medical Practice, in Lime Street, Blackburn, has been deemed ‘good’ by the CQC (Care Quality Commission) and practice manager Donna Middleton said it was all due to the ‘hard work’ of the staff.

The surgery has three GP partners, Dr Zaki Patel, Dr Rehan Rahmatulla, Dr Lateef Azhar and a salaried GP Dr Azher Mohammed.

Ms Middleton said: “It is a busy practice and we have pleasant patients who we have worked with consistently.

“We have worked hard to get new processes in place and we really did push forward with changes. The practice has made several positive changes and will continue to strive to further improve our services.

“We realised we needed to improve from the last inspection and have taken this on board.”

In 2018 the surgery, which was known as Umar Medical Centre, was put into special measures after being rated inadequate. The three partners took over the practice in October 2018 and made management changes as well as the practice name.

The surgery had an inspection in January 2020 where the practice was rated as 'requires improvement'.

A further inspection in August found that: “A comprehensive quality improvement plan had been implemented and effective progress and achievement made in improving service delivery in many areas.

“The practice team were working hard to improve performance data such as cervical screening and childhood immunisations.

The practice actively sought patient feedback and used this to improve service quality. “Staff dealt with patients with kindness and respect and involved them in decisions about their care. The practice team were positive and enthusiastic. They told us there had been a cultural shift to inclusive team work and they were all working together to provide a quality service with patients.”

Ms Middleton said staff had worked particularly hard during the pandemic to keep in touch with the community.

She said: “It has been difficult but we looked to engage with patients in different ways. The GP app has helped thus freeing up the phone lines our more elderly patients who may not be access services online.

“Due to the pandemic certain changes needed to be implemented in practice, for example face to face appointments were limited to reduce the spread of Covid-19, however, the practice has now reintroduced face to face appointments where appropriate to do so.

“There has been an effort from everyone from the GPs to the reception staff who have all worked to listen to the patients and their needs.”