Surgery gets clean bill of health in inspection

A GP surgery is celebrating being given a clean bill of health by inspectors - and a rating of outstanding.

Brinnington Health Centre, on Brinnington Road, was visited by watchdog the Care Quality Commission (CQC)and also given the top grade in subcategories of responsiveness and effectiveness.

Three other subcategories measuring how well led, safe and caring the practice is were rated as good.

Inspectors particularly praised the surgery for its work with people who may be vulnerable and those with long-term conditions.

Chief inspector Steve Field states in the report: “The practice had a strong vision, which put quality, effective care and treatment as its top priority.

“The partnership was structured with distinct roles and responsibilities, utilising the experience and skills of partners to the full.

“We observed a strong patient-centred culture. Patients said they were treated with compassion, dignity and respect and they were involved in decisions about their care and treatment.”

The inspection team found only a few areas for improvement, which included implementing a system that ensures patient medicine reviews are undertaken and recorded, and to extend patient participation for those who do not use the internet or social media.

But it was noted that almost nine out of 10 patients questioned at the surgery would recommend it to friends and family.

Paul Ansbro, the practice manager, said: “We are delighted the hard work of everyone at the practice has been recognised by the CQC with the awarding of this ‘outstanding’ status.

“However we’re not surprised by it, as ensuring that our patients get the highest quality care drives everything we do here.

“We won’t be complacent either so, despite our status, we will continually strive to make improvements to the care we offer our patients.”