Patients rated the practice higher than others for almost all aspects of care. Patients spoke highly of the care they received from the practice. Feedback about patients’ care and treatment was consistently positive. We observed a patient centered culture.
Common themes from patients were they felt they were treated with dignity and respect, were listened to and involved in their treatment.
CQC comment cards were all very positive and complimentary; many citing the service they received as being ‘excellent and fantastic’.
These findings aligned with the national GP survey results, which showed the practice was performing in line and predominantly above the local and national averages.
The practice had developed a comprehensive and innovative system to monitor appointments. There was continuity of care and urgent appointments available on the same day. Patients said they found it easy to make an appointment and urgent appointments were available the same day.
The practice reviewed the needs of its local population and engaged with the CCG to secure/improve service improvements where these had been identified. The practice had been involved in CCG pilots, such as pathfinder , winter access and breaking the cycle.
The practice worked very closely with other health professionals and community and voluntary services and they were focused on using every opportunity for health promotion. For example, Friend to Friend and Sharing Memories.
The practice had strong links with local schools and worked collaboratively with the school nurses to support and advise young people. Young people at schools had direct access to same day appointments for emergency contraception, when the school nurse may accompany the patient
We saw evidence that an enhanced level of service provision for the diagnosis and support for people with dementia was provided above what is required under core General Medical Service (GMS) contracts.
Views of external stakeholders, for example Greater Huddersfield CCG were very positive and aligned to our findings.