Tieve Tara Medical Centre in Castleford rated ‘good’ after governance improvements
A Castleford GP practice has been rated ‘good’ following a Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection that found significant improvements since its previous review.
The rating for the well-led domain has risen from “requires improvement” to “good” after inspectors identified stronger leadership structures and a formal transformation programme supporting service delivery.
In its report, the CQC said: “We looked for evidence that service leadership, management and governance assured high-quality, person-centred care and promoted an open, fair culture.”
Inspectors said staff generally understood the practice’s vision and values, although some reported that ongoing staffing changes and transformation activity had at times affected communication and workload.
The report said: “Some staff felt that communication from managers could be improved regarding operational changes.”
A transformation board established in 2025 was highlighted as central to improvements, with work focused on workforce planning, operations and clinical governance.
The CQC said: “A transformation team and board was established in 2025 which focused on developing the practice across workforce, operations and clinical governance.”
The regulator noted that previous concerns identified in 2024 had been addressed, including issues around training oversight, premises safety and medicines governance.
A business plan has now been introduced to support longer-term sustainability.
Staff feedback was mostly positive, with managers described as approachable and supportive, although some staff continued to report concerns around workload and communication during periods of change.
The CQC said: “The majority of staff told us they felt leaders and managers were approachable, supportive and friendly.”
Inspectors highlighted a stronger culture of openness, with staff encouraged to raise concerns and learning shared through meetings and governance systems.
In its report, the CQC said: “The service fostered a positive culture where patients and staff felt they could speak up and their voice would be heard.”
The practice was also praised for partnership working with the primary care network, safeguarding partners and local community organisations, alongside use of social prescribing services.
The patient participation group was described as active and influential in shaping improvements.
In its report, the CQC said: “The service understood their duty to collaborate and work in partnership with others to improve services and outcomes for patients.”