CQC inspectors find Bradgate GP Surgery in Bristol to be Outstanding

The Care Quality Commission has found the quality of care provided by the Bradgate GP Surgery at Brentry in Bristol to be Outstanding following an inspection in March.

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

The inspection team, which included a GP and a nurse as specialist advisors, rated the services provided by Bradgate GP Surgery as Outstanding for every population group they serve including older people, people with long-term conditions, families, children and young people, working age people, people whose circumstances may make them vulnerable, and those experiencing poor mental health. A full report of the inspection has been published today.

The surgery in Ardenton Walk, Brentry, has more than 9,000 registered patients. The report highlights a number of areas of outstanding practice, including:

• Bradgate Surgery was the first practice in Bristol to be given a young people friendly award under a NHS initiative that aims to encourage young people to feel more confident in using health services.
• The practice has established integrated working with other healthcare professionals: a direct telephone line to the practice gives access support and advice, and there is a regular morning meeting open to any attached healthcare professional.
• The practice hosts services such as drug and alcohol rehabilitation and mental health services so that patients can receive treatment in their own locality;
• There is shared learning with other practices. The manager had been seconded to another practice to establish systems of working which would benefit patients.
• The practice is involved in a pilot for email consultations which will improve patient access.

Ruth Rankine, Deputy Chief Inspector of General Practice, said:

"Bradgate Surgery has demonstrated a strong commitment to seeking and listening to patient views. Throughout the inspection they showed how the views of their patients had influenced improvements in patient care and service.

"The practice works with other community groups and agencies to improve the health and well-being of their local population. But what stands out is their work with young people. We saw how Bradgate staff work closely with local schools and the youth centre to promote health education for young people and support young people to access the health services they need."

Professor Steve Field, Chief Inspector of General Practice, said:

“I am delighted to highlight the exceptional standard of care which is being provided by Bradgate Surgery.

"All of the patients we met told us how much they valued the relationship and mutual respect between them and the GPs and nurses. Patients told us they felt listened to and understood when they attended for consultations and treatment. We were told appointments took as long as was needed and no one felt rushed or hurried.

"The GPs and all their staff deserve the credit for this Outstanding service."

Ends

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