Two Greater Manchester general practices are the first to be awarded the highest possible rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), under their new inspection regime.
Salford Health Matters in Eccles and Irlam Medical Practice in Salford have both been awarded an ‘Outstanding’ by the Chief Inspector of General Practice, Professor Steve Field.
According to the CQC website, Irlam Medical Practice in Salford makes quality and safety their ‘top priority’ and they frequently reach out to the community.
Professor Steve Field said: “I am very pleased that our first two ratings highlight some of the Outstanding care that we know exists in general practice.
“I congratulate the staff at these practices for their hard work in making a difference for the people using these services.”
The general practice in Eccles was also commended highly for its communication with staff, its need-specific appointment lengths and their care to ensure that all patients who require an appointment with a GP are seen on the day their request is made.
They were also praised for the way they send a text message to all patients after they have seen a GP to ensure that they have been satisfied with their treatment.
If any complaints are made, the patient is contacted so that areas of improvement can be discussed.
Within the next two years, the CQC hopes to have inspected and rated all 8,000 general practices across England.
As part of the new inspection regime, they will provide general practices with a rating of Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement or Inadequate, depending on what they find.
Professor Field added: “With our new inspection regime for general practice we are shining a spotlight on poor care and celebrating the good and the outstanding when we find it.
“While we are clearly in the very early stages of ratings these services and there is a long way to go before we have inspected every general practice across the country, this should send an encouraging and inspiring message to providers and to members of the public.”
Image courtesy of Com Salud, with thanks.
