The Leven and Beeford Medical Practice

On this page

• Overview
• Person-centred Care
• Care provision, Integration and continuity
• Providing Information
• Listening to and involving people
• Equity in access
• Equity in experiences and outcomes
• Planning for the future

We looked for evidence the service met people’s needs, and staff treated people equally and without discrimination. At our last assessment, we rated this key question as good. At this assessment, the rating remains the same.

This service scored 75 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

We did not look at Person-centred Care during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Responsive.

We did not look at Care provision, Integration and continuity during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Responsive.

We did not look at Providing Information during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Responsive.

We did not look at Listening to and involving people during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Responsive.

The practice made sure people could access the care, support and treatment they needed when they needed it.

The practice performed better than the national average in the results of the 2026 National GP Patient Survey. This showed people could access the service when they needed it in a way that suited their needs, such as by telephone, in person or through the service’s website. For example, 86% of respondents to the survey described their overall experience of contacting this service as being good, compared to a national average of 73%. Feedback received directly by CQC from patients was positive about being able to access appointments. This was mirrored in feedback received through the latest NHS Friends and Family test.

A review of the practice’s appointment system showed us that patient requests were responded to in a timely manner, this included accessing face to face appointments on the day, using prebook able appointments and any urgent cases being reviewed by the on-call GP efficiently. Patients were also able to complete an EConsult to submit queries to the practice. Patients were given a choice whether they attended the main site in Leven or the branch site in Beeford. Staff were trained in care navigation and were able to appropriately signpost patients to the most suitable option. Data from the National GP Patient survey reflected this with 94% of patients stating they knew what the next step would be after contacting their GP practice compared with the national average of 84%.

Treatment rooms were available on the ground floor, and a ramp and automatic door had been fitted to the entrance to ensure ease of access to the service.

Staff and leaders demonstrated an innovative approach to identifying and addressing health inequalities within their population. They actively listened to feedback and used information about people most at risk of poorer experiences or outcomes to deliver highly tailored care, support and treatment.

For example, the practice worked closely with its Patient Participation Group (PPG) to improve awareness of services available to veterans. The practice organised a veterans' support event at the local village hall, where a serving member of the armed forces provided information about available support services, including mental health provision and local charitable organisations. In addition, the practice amended its registration forms to identify veterans more effectively. As a result of this work, the number of registered veterans increased from 5 to 176. This work enabled the practice to better understand and respond to the specific health needs of veterans and improved access to tailored support services for this population group

The practice and PPG also supported the Royal British Legion through fundraising initiatives, including the sale of poppies made by PPG members.

Staff treated people with dignity, respect and without discrimination. Leaders took a proactive approach to identifying and removing barriers to care and worked collaboratively with local services and voluntary sector organisations to address health inequalities. For example, patients with no fixed abode were permitted to use the practice address when requiring proof of address to access other support services. The practice had also developed a range of easy-read information resources for patients with a learning disability, including information relating to cancer screening programmes.

Staff understood the importance of providing inclusive care and made reasonable adjustments to promote equitable access, experience and outcomes. Established processes ensured that people in vulnerable circumstances, including those experiencing homelessness and members of travelling communities, could register and access services. The practice routinely captured and reviewed feedback from people using the service, and this was reflected in consistently positive patient feedback.

Results from the 2026 National GP Patient Survey further demonstrated positive patient experiences. 100% of respondents reported having confidence and trust in the healthcare professional they saw or spoke to during their last appointment, compared with the national average of 93%.

We did not look at Planning for the future during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Responsive.