During an assessment under our new approach
Date of Assessment: 4 November to 13 November 2025.
Rectory Meadow Surgery is a GP practice in Amersham, Buckinghamshire and delivers GP services to approximately 10,650 patients under a contract held with NHS England. The practice is a GP practice within Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board (ICB).
The National General Practice Profiles states that the practice population largely follows national averages in terms of age profile, with the exception of patients aged between 20 and 49 which was significantly lower when compared to the national average.
Information published by Office for Health Improvement and Disparities shows that deprivation within the practice population group is in the 10th decile (10 of 10). The lower the decile, the more deprived the practice population is relative to others. This assessment considered the demographics of the people using the service, the context the service was working within and how this impacted service delivery. Where relevant, further commentary is provided in the quality statements section of this report.
The practice was last inspected in April 2015 and was rated Good. At this inspection, the practice is rated Good, and we saw:
The practice had a good learning culture and people could raise concerns. Managers investigated incidents thoroughly. Staff understood and managed risks. The facilities and equipment met the needs of people, were clean and well-maintained and any risks mitigated. There were enough staff with the right skills, qualifications and experience. Leaders made sure staff received training and regular appraisals to maintain high-quality care. Staff managed medicines well and involved people in planning any changes.
Patients were involved in assessments of their needs. Staff reviewed assessments taking account of people’s communication, personal and health needs. Care was based on latest evidence and good practice. Staff worked with all agencies involved in people’s care for the best outcomes and smooth transitions when moving services. Staff made sure people understood their care and treatment to enable them to give informed consent. Staff involved those important to people took decisions in people’s best interests where they did not have capacity.
Patient feedback was positive and reported they were treated with kindness and compassion. Staff protected their privacy and dignity. Patients were treated as individuals and their preferences supported. Patients had choice in their care and treatment. The practice strongly supported staff wellbeing.
Patients, their families and carers were involved in decisions about their care. People knew how to give feedback and were confident the service took it seriously and acted on it. Feedback highlighted the practice was easy to access and worked to eliminate discrimination. The practice worked to reduce health and care inequalities through training, audits, pilots and projects. Patients were involved in planning their care and understood options around choosing to withdraw or not receive care.
There was a shared practice strategy which balanced traditional family values with modern general practice. Leaders at all levels were visible, knowledgeable and supportive, helping staff develop in their roles. Staff felt supported to give feedback and were treated equally, free from bullying or harassment. Staff understood their roles and responsibilities. Leaders worked with the local community to deliver the best possible care and were receptive to new ideas. There was a culture of continuous improvement with staff given time and resources to try new ideas.