gtd healthcare GP is shortlisted for a ‘Rising star’ award

A newly qualified GP has been shortlisted in the 'Rising star' category for Greater Manchester’s Health & Care Champion Awards 2019.

Dr Al-Khafaji, GP at gtd healthcare’s Brookdale Surgery, Newton Heath, has been recognised for his exemplary achievement in supporting turning a practice around following ‘Inadequate’ Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspections under a previous provider, and subsequently being placed into special measures.

The practice, which is located in a highly deprived area of North Manchester, has been subject to dramatic improvements, thanks to Dr Al Khafaji’s and the team’s dedication to embrace tough challenges, leading to a ‘Good’ CQC rating in just seven months.

David Beckett, chief executive of gtd healthcare, the organisation which took over the management of Brookdale Surgery, said Dr Al-Khafaji’s influence in the success of Brookdale Surgery is phenomenal.

"Being shortlisted in the ‘Rising star’ category is thoroughly well deserved and very fitting,” he said.

"Despite him only just qualifying as a GP, we all saw qualities in Yaser that we felt, with support from the team around him, would be tailor-made to turn around the practice and improve care for its patients.

"He more than proved us right, leading and implementing transformational changes, which have massively impacted on patients’ lives, remarkably taking the practice from 'Special Measures' to 'Good' in just six months”

"The extent of his work includes being the main driver behind a full engagement programme to improve outcomes for patients and their families/carers; striving to gain patients’ understanding of the benefits to their physical and mental health in jointly managing and optimising their care; and continuously working flexibly to their needs.”

"Yaser has not only led change for the patients and staff at Brookdale, but has also had an inspirational impact across the organisation reminding us all of what can achieved to improve the health and care of our most vulnerable communities.”

Dr Al-Khafaji said he is delighted to be shortlisted for a ‘Rising Star’ award although keen to acknowledge the collaborative team working among all the practice staff, which has led to the success story at Brookdale Surgery.

"Embarking on my first GP post at Brookdale Surgery has been challenging but hugely rewarding,” he said.

"First and foremost, my main priority was to overcome some of the most difficult challenges to ensure patients are provided with safe care at all times.

"With the fantastic support of the wider team, it’s been possible to instil basic practice management and establish robust systems to ensure the practice runs safely and smoothly while being able to respond in a timely manner to patients’ needs.”

The Greater Manchester Health & Care Champion Awards are the only awards that celebrate and recognise our employed and unwaged workforce right across Greater Manchester, who regularly go above and beyond to improve the health and well-being of the people in our communities.

The awards are organised by Greater Manchester Health & Social Care Partnership, the body that oversees the area’s £6bn devolved health and social care budget, with support from the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony in July.

gtd healthcare, a not-for-profit provider of primary care, urgent medical and dental services across Greater Manchester, took over the management of Brookdale Surgery following the inspection in May 2018 and an agreement with Manchester Health and Care Commissioning.

Previously, the practice was rated ‘Inadequate’ in each of the five key categories by the CQC inspectors.

However, detailed procedures and plans produced and implemented by gtd healthcare has led to all services being now recognised as safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led. Also, staff have been commended for treating patients with compassion, kindness, dignity and respect.