CQC inspectors find the Foxhayes Practice at Exeter to be Outstanding

The Care Quality Commission has found the quality of care provided by the Foxhayes Practice at Exeter to be Outstanding following an inspection carried out in November.

Under CQC’s new programme of inspections, all of England’s GP practices are being given a rating according to whether they are safe, effective, caring, responsive and well led.

Inspectors rated the practice at Exwick Road Outstanding for being caring and responsive. A full report of the inspection has been published today.

The report highlights a number of areas of outstanding practice, including:

• Innovative methods were used to improve patient outcomes, for example by working in collaboration with a larger GP practice to provide access to comprehensive midwifery services for young mothers.
• The practice has an active carers support group which provides a social network and support for isolated or vulnerable patients.
• Patients have an allotment club, which provides opportunities for vulnerable people to build networks within the community.
• The practice was able to help patients with substance misuse problems who wished to change their lifestyle. The GP partner had the skills and experience to safely manage the detoxification process for people living in the community, in conjunction with specialist agencies who provided further support.

Ruth Rankine, Deputy Chief Inspector of General Practice, said:

"We found that the Foxhayes Practice is providing an Outstanding service, particularly for people whose circumstances may make them vulnerable and for people experiencing poor mental health.

"The practice is extremely patient-centred. New patients told us they were made to feel welcome from the outset, when the GP partner would come to meet them and introduce them to staff at the practice. Patients in vulnerable circumstances are given support through the practice taxi fund.

"We found many positive examples to demonstrate how patients’ choices and preferences were valued and acted on."

Professor Steve Field, Chief Inspector of General Practice, said:

“I am delighted to highlight the exceptional standard of care which is being provided by the Foxhayes Practice.

"Throughout the inspection we were particularly impressed by the many ways in which the patients were involved in the life of the practice - everything from the mission statement to the newsletter. I have no doubt that they, along with the staff, should share the credit for this Outstanding service."

Ends

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