The Wide Way Surgery in Mitcham, in the London borough of Merton, has been rated Outstanding overall by the Care Quality Commission. Previously it was rated as Good.
The surgery, which looks after more than 9,000 people, was rated Outstanding for being well-led and responsive. It was rated Good for being safe, effective and caring.
Inspectors found evidence of outstanding practice in a number of areas.
The practice piloted a scheme to improve the care delivered to people with diabetes. The project involved directly bookable diabetes clinics with a community specialist diabetic nurse. Unverified data showed that outcomes for diabetic patients had improved over the last year as a result.
The practice provided innovative services to support staff and foster a positive culture including, staff awards, a daily ‘debrief’ session, yoga and well-being services. Wide Way Surgery had undergone a £1 million redevelopment creating more space for people to use.
There was evidence that a care home pilot project had reduced ambulance conveyances to A&E which resulted in positive outcomes for older people. The practice provided a wide range of appointment types including a daily walk-in service to improve choice and accessibility for patients.
There was further evidence that patients included in the Social Prescribing pilot caused reduced A and E attendances, GP re-attendances and significantly improved well-being scores. As a result, the scheme has been expanded into other East Merton practices. Social prescribing is a way of linking patients in primary care with sources of support within the community.
A practice newsletter was produced quarterly. It promoted the range of services offered such as a carers event, a back-pain event, flu jabs and the walk-in service.
Leaders at the practice were visible and approachable. Practice management worked closely with staff and others to make sure they prioritised compassionate and inclusive leadership.
The practice was a vanguard in the creation of the first Primary Care Home site in south west London for collaborative working between practices.
Staff said they felt respected, supported and valued and were proud to work for the practice. It promoted learning and development for staff within the Primary Care Home network and Clinical Commissioning Group.
Professor Ursula Gallagher, CQC Deputy Chief Inspector of GP Practices, said: “It is always great to be able to recognise outstanding care.
“The staff and management at Wide Way Surgery should be proud of what they have achieved - offering excellent care to its patients. Wide Way Surgery offers innovative care to people at a time when they can access it, including an impressive daily walk-in service.”
You can read the report in full when it is published on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk/location/1-584832384
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