Devon GP rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated the care provided at Budleigh Salterton Medical Practice as Outstanding overall, following an inspection in April 2016.

Inspectors rated The Budleigh Salterton Medical Practice in Devon, Outstanding for being well-led and responsive to people’s needs and Good for being safe, caring and effective.

A full report of the inspection has been published today.

Professor Steve Field, Chief Inspector of General Practice said:

“I am delighted to highlight the exceptional service at The Budleigh Salterton Medical Practice, people are entitled to services which provide safe, effective, compassionate and high quality care. The GPs and staff at The Budleigh Salterton Medical Practice have demonstrated a real commitment to their patients. All of this hard work and dedication pays off in making a real difference for their patients – which is why we have found this practice to be Outstanding. I hope other practices will see this as a model for excellent care.”

Ruth Rankine, Deputy Chief Inspector of General Practice in the South, said:

“It is clear The Budleigh Salterton Medical Practice is providing an effective, responsive and well-led service which is a real asset to the people living in this part of Devon. To get rated as Outstanding is a real achievement.

“The practice had a clear vision, which had being responsive to people’s needs as its top priority and this is reflected in everything that they do.

“There was a strong desire to learn at the practice, staff were engaged and committed to improving quality of care by learning from every opportunity and this was underpinned by their clear vision and strategy for the practice.

“This is a great example of what outstanding care looks like.”

Julia Cory, Head of Primary Care for NHS England in the South West, said:

“GP care is the bedrock of the local NHS, so it’s excellent to see such a resounding, positive verdict on the quality of care at Budleigh Salterton Medical Centre.”

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

• Developing a community project to create a well-being hub based around the community hospital, with an aim to join the social care and voluntary sectors.
• Actively engaged with children to seek their feedback about facilities and staff friendliness. The Friends and Family test for children had been adapted as a simpler method for children to indicate satisfaction about their care and treatment.
• Flexible services demonstrated that patients individuals needs and preferences were integral to the planning of care this included; telephone consultations, online access, advice via emails and same day appointments.
• There was a strong focus on continuous learning and the practice acted as a teaching and training centre for GP’s, medical students, student nurses and for mentoring trainees.
• The practice clearly demonstrated their commitment, both financially and ethically. A memory café, funded by the practice provided practical information and support to people with dementia and carers.
• The practice developed innovative ways of providing care and treatment, and drove local pilot schemes to improve patient care in the local area. The Morita Therapy had been piloted as an alternative talking therapy to managing anxiety and depression.
• Staff felt respected, valued and supported and the partners were visible, approachable and took the time to listen to members of staff.

Ends

For further information please contact CQC Regional Engagement Officer Farrah Chandra on 07917 594 574 or, for media enquiries, call the press office on 020 7448 9401 during office hours.

Journalists wishing to speak to the press office outside of office hours can find out how to contact the team here. (Please note: the duty press officer is unable to advise members of the public on health or social care matters). For general enquiries, please call 03000 61 61 61