Highbridge Medical Centre has been praised in a new inspection report published by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
The centre now holds a ‘Good’ rating in all five areas of the CQC inspection for providing high quality healthcare services.
Highbridge Medical Centre was previously placed in ‘special measures’ last year after receiving two “inadequate” ratings during 2015 and 2016 under a previous provider, but in April this year the centre integrated with Symphony Healthcare Services (SHS), a new NHS primary healthcare organisation and subsidiary of Yeovil Hospital.
A full announced inspection took place in June 2017, where the inspection identified that three out of five areas were ‘Good’; delivering a well–led, caring and responsive healthcare service – but required more improvement under the ‘safe and effective service’ areas.
After a follow up inspection that took place in October 2017, all five key areas of inspection (safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led) have now been rated as ‘Good’.
Dr Harvey Sampson, Associate Medical Director and Clinical Lead at Highbridge Medical Centre, praised the practice team for their positive approach and dedication.
“I am thrilled that we have been able to achieve a ‘Good’ rating in all five areas of our CQC inspection, this really is a remarkable achievement in less than one year, from the practice being rated ‘Inadequate’ and at risk of closure.”
“The team here at Highbridge, have been fantastic in their continuing dedication and willingness to help us to develop better ways of delivering patient care and adapt to the changes required.”
“Since integrating with Symphony Healthcare Services, we have been able to benefit from the support of a wider, experienced team who have worked closely with our local practice team to develop and deliver the comprehensive action plan required.”
“We would also like to thank the community, our patients and our Patient Participation Group for their ongoing patience and support whilst we have been making changes and we will continue to develop and sustain services at the practice.”
The CQC report recognised the hard work that has taken place at the practice to make improvements to provide safe and effective healthcare services, as well as the ongoing drive to recruit additional GPs and an extended healthcare team to provide services for over 12,000 patients.
Over the past few months, patients have been able to benefit from a number of extended services at the practice, including the re-opening of the patient list and access to the minor operations service and joint injections in April 2017.
In July, the Warfarin monitoring service was extended with a larger nursing team, who have since welcomed around additional 150 patients. In September, a refurbished entrance hall and waiting area were completed, supported by a Minor Improvement Grant provided by NHS England.
SHS Medical Director, Dr Berge Balian, added: “We are delighted that Highbridge Medical Centre has been recognised for such important improvements to healthcare services. Since integrating, we have worked closely together with NHS England, Somerset CCG and the CQC to support our Highbridge team to make some significant changes to the way that the practice is managed and services are delivered to our patients. As importantly, we are receiving increasingly frequent compliments from patients at Highbridge who have noticed the improvements we have made to their practice.”
“Within SHS, we are absolutely committed to supporting and strengthening NHS primary care services across our practices and we are very proud of the progress made by our Highbridge team.”
“Our aim is simple; to provide and maintain sustainable, high quality healthcare services for our patients and the local community that can adapt to meet the changing demands on the healthcare system.”
The centre is welcoming new patients and their families who would like to register. For more information about the health services available, and to arrange a visit, or to register as a new patient, call 01278 783220 or see www.highbridgemc.co.uk
