Bellingham Practice in Hexham is rated as Good by the Care Quality Commission

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated the quality of care provided by Bellingham Practice near Hexham, Northumberland as Good following an inspection that took place in October 2104.

Inspectors found that the practice was providing a caring, effective, responsive and well-led service that meets the needs of the population it serves.    

A full report of the inspection has been published on the CQC website this week.

Under CQC’s new programme of inspections, all England’s GP practices are being given a rating according to whether they are safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led.   

Professor Nigel Sparrow, Senior National GP Advisor said:

“It is clear that Bellingham Practice is providing a caring, effective and highly responsive service which is a real asset to the people living in this part of Northumberland.  

“Feedback from patients was overwhelmingly positive and many commented that staff went above and beyond their level of duty.

“We found that the practice displayed an excellent understanding of the differing needs of their patients and acted on these needs in the planning and delivery of its services. Staff had initiated many positive service improvements that were over and above their contractual obligations, particularly for young people.”

“There are 3,300 people living in the rural area around Hexham who depends on this practice - and the outcome  of the inspection confirms they are providing a service which is safe, effective, caring, responsive and well led.

“Patients should be able to expect high quality and consistent care from every GP practice. The Bellingham Practice is representative of the vast majority of practices who do an excellent job of delivering care week after week.”

Ends

For media enquiries, call the CQC press office on 020 7448 9401 during office hours or out of hours on 07917 232 143. For general enquiries, call 03000 61 61 61.