The Care Quality Commission
  • Doctor
  • GP practice

Betts Avenue Medical Group

Overall: Good read more about inspection ratings

2 Betts Avenue, Benwell, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE15 6TQ (0191) 274 2767

Provided and run by:
Betts Avenue Medical Group

All Inspections

6 July 2023

During a monthly review of our data

We carried out a review of the data available to us about Betts Avenue Medical Group on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.

This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.

If you have concerns about Betts Avenue Medical Group, you can give feedback on this service.

28 November 2019

During an annual regulatory review

We reviewed the information available to us about Betts Avenue Medical Group on 28 November 2019. We did not find evidence of significant changes to the quality of service being provided since the last inspection. As a result, we decided not to inspect the surgery at this time. We will continue to monitor this information about this service throughout the year and may inspect the surgery when we see evidence of potential changes.

16 March 2018

During a routine inspection

This practice is rated as Good overall. (Previous inspection 2 December 2014 – Good)

The key questions are rated as:

Are services safe? – Good

Are services effective? – Good

Are services caring? – Good

Are services responsive? – Good

Are services well-led? - Good

As part of our inspection process, we also look at the quality of care for specific population groups. The population groups are rated as:

Older People – Good

People with long-term conditions – Good

Families, children and young people – Good

Working age people (including those recently retired and students – Good

People whose circumstances may make them vulnerable – Good

People experiencing poor mental health (including people with dementia) - Good

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspections at Betts Avenue Medical Group and Kenton Medical Centre on 16 March 2018. This was as part of our ongoing inspection programme.

At this inspection we found:

  • The practice had clear systems to manage risk so that safety incidents were less likely to happen. When incidents did happen, the practice learned from them and improved their processes.
  • The practice routinely reviewed the effectiveness and appropriateness of the care they provided. They ensured that care and treatment was delivered according to evidence- based guidelines.
  • Staff involved and treated patients with compassion, kindness, dignity and respect.
  • Patients found the appointment system easy to use and reported that they were able to access care when they needed it.
  • There was a strong focus on continuous learning and improvement at all levels of the organisation.

The area where the provider should make improvements is:

  • Ensure there are effective arrangements in place to manage the risks associated with breaking of the cold chain for vaccine storage at Betts Avenue Medical Centre.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice

2 December 2014

During a routine inspection

Letter from the Chief Inspector of General Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection at Betts Avenue Medical Group on 2 December 2014. The practice has two locations registered with CQC; Betts Avenue Medical Group and Kenton Medical Centre. We visited both of these locations as part of the inspection.

Overall, the practice is rated as good. It was also good for providing services for all of the population groups.

Our key findings across all the areas we inspected were as follows:

  • Staff understood and fulfilled their responsibilities to raise concerns, and to report incidents and near misses. Information about safety was recorded, monitored, appropriately reviewed and addressed.
  • People’s needs were assessed and care was planned and delivered following best practice guidance. Staff had received training appropriate to their roles and any further training needs had been identified and training planned.
  • Patients said they were treated with compassion, dignity and respect and they were involved in their care and decisions about their treatment.
  • Information about services and how to complain was available and easy to understand.
  • Patients said they found it easy to make an appointment with a named GP and that there was continuity of care, with urgent appointments available the same day.
  • The practice had good facilities and was well equipped to treat patients and meet their needs.
  • There was a clear leadership structure and staff felt supported by management. The practice proactively sought feedback from staff and patients, which it acted on.
  • Data from the GP National Patient Survey demonstrated the practice performed better than local and national averages in a number of areas.

However, there were areas of practice where the provider needs to make improvements.

Importantly the provider should:

  • Ensure that blank prescriptions are recorded in accordance with national guidance to reduce the risk of theft or misuse.
  • Ensure there are appropriate arrangements in place to protect staff and patients from the risk of legionella infection.

Professor Steve Field (CBE FRCP FFPH FRCGP) 

Chief Inspector of General Practice