The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has today released reports on Hollinwood Medical Practice in Greater Manchester, and The Hall Practice in Buckinghamshire, which were both rated outstanding.
The ratings come after an inspection carried out in March for Hollinwood and an inspection carried out in April for The Hall Practice.
Hollinwood Medical Practice, also known as Hope Citadel Healthcare CIC provides a primary care service to patients living in and around Oldham, Greater Manchester.
Professor Steve Field, chief inspector of general practice, said: “The practice has a clear vision to improve the health and wellbeing of its patients… Feedback from patients was extremely positive and many praised the kindness and compassion shown by staff.”
The report said Hollinwood was rated outstanding for a number of reasons, including that staff from the practice regularly attended primary schools in the area, drug and alcohol rehabilitation units and hostels to promote better healthcare and encourage patients to adopt healthier lifestyles.
The practice also had a successful patient participation group and organised social activities for patients in the local area to increase awareness of what services the practice offered. This reduced inappropriate attendance at walk in centres or A&E.
In terms of staffing Hollinwood “had a very good staff skill mix which included a nurse prescriber, counsellors and rehabilitation workers” to suit peoples needs, staff were supported by appraisals and told inspectors that the practice was proactive in providing relevant training. See the full report here.
The Hall Practice is the first practice to be rated outstanding in Buckinghamshire, and Ruth Rankine, deputy chief inspector of general practice, said: “We found that The Hall Practice is providing an outstanding service, particularly for a higher than average number of patients living in care and nursing homes including up to 30 younger patients with acquired brain injury or major physical disability.”
The report highlights a number of areas of outstanding practice, for example a member of the practice staff carried out the role of a carers’ coordinator. They made annual contact with every carer on the practice register personally to ensure they were receiving the care and support they required and updated the carers register based on their contact.
It also said: “A number of the GPs had special interests in obstetrics and gynaecology and dermatology so they could support the care and treatment of patients at the practice, which led to lower referral rate to hospitals than other practices”. See the full report here.
Dr Geoff Payne, Medical Director, NHS England, said: “We commend the practice staff for their commitment and proactive approach to patient care. Patients are able to access appointments with their named GP and a carer’s coordinator is in post and makes contact with every carer personally. The example set by staff at The Hall Practice is excellent and we hope more GP practices will be recognised for their good work in the future.”
