During an assessment under our new approach
Date of Assessment: 03 March to 05 March 2026. Bevan Medical Group Surgery is a GP practice and delivers service to approximately 8,700 under a contract held with NHS England. The practice operates across 5 sites: Bevan Grove (main site), Station Road, Peterlee Health Centre, Easington Medical Centre, and Haswell Surgery (currently closed). The National General Practice Profiles states that 18.8% of patients are aged 65 years or over, compared with the England average of 18%. Information published by Office for Health Improvement and Disparities shows that deprivation within the practice population group is in the 2nd decile (2 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.
This was a comprehensive assessment, undertaken due to the length of time since our last assessment and the identification of potential risk.
The service had a positive learning culture, and staff felt able to raise concerns. Managers investigated incidents effectively, and most risks were managed well. Staffing levels were appropriate. Medicines were mostly managed safely, although some improvements were needed in medication‑related documentation, including occasions where medication reviews lacked sufficient detail. Further improvements were required in safeguarding training levels, addressing a site‑related safety concern at the main location, and ensuring emergency medicines and resuscitation equipment were readily accessible across all sites.
People were involved in assessments of their needs, and staff took account of their communication, personal and health requirements when planning their care. Treatment was based on the latest evidence and good practice, and staff worked with other agencies to support good outcomes and smooth transitions between services. Staff supported people to understand their treatment to help them give informed consent. Where individuals lacked capacity, those important to them were involved and decisions were made in their best interests.
People were treated with kindness and compassion. Staff protected their privacy and dignity. They treated them as individuals and supported their preferences. People had choice in their care and treatment. The service supported staff wellbeing.
People were involved in decisions about their care, and staff provided information in ways they could understand. People knew how to give feedback and were confident the service took their concerns seriously and acted on them. The service worked to ensure people were treated fairly and without discrimination, and staff were aware of the needs of different groups. Some improvements were required in patient information signage across sites, including clearer visibility of opening hours, out‑of‑hours arrangements and interpreter services.
Leaders and staff had a shared vision and culture based on listening, learning and trust. Leaders 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. Managers 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. Some governance processes required strengthening to ensure consistent oversight across all sites, including improvements to medication‑related documentation and ensuring premises‑related safety issues were identified and addressed.