West London GP rated as Outstanding

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated the Barlby Surgery in Kensington and Chelsea, west London, as Outstanding following an inspection in July 2015.

Under CQC’s programme of inspections, all primary medical services in England are being given a rating according to whether they are safe, effective, caring, responsive and well led.

The full report from the Barlby Surgery inspection has been published on this website.

The practice provides primary medical services to around 9,200 patients throughout the London borough of Kensington and Chelsea, serving an ethnically diverse population that has a large proportion of young working age people.

CQC inspectors found that the practice used innovative and proactive methods to improve patient outcomes, working with other organisations to provide services responsive to local needs. The practice worked in partnership with a local charity to deliver a wide range of health projects for the local community.

Staff understood and fulfilled their responsibilities to raise concerns and report incidents and near misses, and that all opportunities for learning from internal and external incidents were maximised.

CQC inspectors saw several areas of outstanding practice including:

• The practice offered patients flexible access to appointments, by providing up to 12 Skype consultations each week, weekend appointments on both Saturday and Sunday, and a GP based at the practice reception area providing both telephone consultations and a triage service.
• The practice had formed a partnership with a local charity in order to deliver several projects to help improve access to primary care services, particularly for people speaking English as not a second language. The practice had co-produced a short film with patients, clinicians and faith groups, which explored mental health diagnosis and therapy by combining medical and faith advice.
• The practice had launched the “Practice Champions” project aimed at parents and young people aged between 16 and 21 years. The project provided support young patients through education, signposting to relevant services and peer support. As a result of the project, the practice had high levels of positive engagement with younger patients.

Ursula Gallagher, Deputy Chief Inspector of General Practice said:

"We found that the Barlby Surgery is providing an Outstanding service, particularly for younger patients, those of working age and those speaking English as a second language.

“Patients told us that they were treated with compassion, dignity and respect and that they were involved in their care and decisions about their treatment. They also told us that information was provided to help them understand the care available to them.

“We were particularly impressed with the practice’s work to initiate positive service improvements for local patients and the commitment of all staff to continuously seek improved outcomes for local people. 

“Staff demonstrated a sound understanding of the differing needs of their patients and reflected these needs when planning and delivering services.  This is an excellent example of what outstanding care looks like.”

Ends

For further information please contact Yetunde Akintewe, CQC Regional Engagement Manager, on 07471 020 659.  For media enquiries, journalists wishing to speak to the press office outside of office hours can find out how to contact the team here. For general enquiries, please call 03000 61 61 61.