“A GREAT example of what outstanding care looks like” - that was the verdict of Care Quality Commission inspectors on Hexham-based GP practice, the Burn Brae Medical Group.

The quality of care provided by the practice, based at the Hexham Primary Care Centre next to Hexham General Hospital, was rated as “outstanding” following an inspection in July this year.

Deputy chief inspector of general practice in the North, Sue McMillan, said: “It is clear Burn Brae Medical Group is providing a safe, caring and responsive service which is well led and a real asset to the people living in this part of Northumberland.

“Feedback from patients was excellent and staff made every effort to fully involve people in decisions about their care and treatment.

“There was a strong desire to learn at the practice, staff were highly skilled, 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.

“The practice was actively involved in community care, undertaking innovative work to help the young people of the area get better access to healthcare services.”

The inspectors also found staff demonstrated a comprehensive approach in managing differing needs of their patients, proactively gathering feedback, and reflected these needs when planning and delivering services.

All of England’s GP practices are being given a rating according to whether they are safe, effective, caring, responsive and well led, and Burn Brae Medical Centre was rated outstanding for being safe, caring, responsive to people’s needs and well led, as well as for its services for all population groups.

The inspection team, which included a GP, a practice manager and specialist advisers, also rated the services provided by Burn Brae as outstanding overall.

The surgery has over 8,900 patients on its books, and among the areas of outstanding practice singled out were its engagement with the local community, working in partnership with local providers to share best practice and plan for patients’ needs.

As result of consultation with local young people, the practice set up a drop in session after school for young people to discuss healthcare needs and overcome any barriers to accessing care. The practice achieved a Department of Health accreditation in this area.

Regular clinical and performance audits of the service delivery were completed to help identify areas of improvement and reflect on the care given to patients.

There was also a shared vision of quality and safety for the practice alongside a strategy to deliver it, and was regularly reviewed by staff to continually improve.

Patients told inspectors that they were treated with dignity and compassion and that they were fully involved in the planning of their care.

The practice had a strong focus on continual learning.

brian.tilley@hehxma-courant.co.uk