A new report published this week by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has highlighted the many improvements that have been made to healthcare services at Highbridge Medical Centre.
Highbridge Medical Centre had previously been placed in ‘special measures’ last year after receiving two “inadequate” ratings during 2015 and 2016 under a previous provider, but in April this year Highbridge Medical Centre integrated with Symphony Healthcare Services (SHS), a new NHS primary healthcare organisation.
The new inspection report identifies that the practice is “good” in three out of five areas, delivering a well–led, caring and responsive healthcare service, but requires more improvement under the ‘safe and effective service’ areas.
The centre’s medical team have been praised for their commitment and enthusiasm in making positive improvements to patient services. Inspection teams also noted the positive feedback received from patients and a dramatic change in leadership from the central support team from Symphony Healthcare Services.
Stan Howlett, Chair of the Patient Participation Group at the medical centre, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “I have read the full report a couple of times and I am really delighted that the improvements made have been recognised.”
“As a patient, I am already impressed with the way everyone at the practice has been embracing a different way of working and delivering a better experience to the patients; from initial contact with the reception staff to the care received by doctors and healthcare teams. I really think it’s a much happier place to visit, with a cleaner, smarter, looking environment.”
Dr Harvey Sampson, Associate Medical Director and Clinical Lead at the medical centre agreed with the report’s findings. He told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “We are delighted that the recent inspection has highlighted the huge progress that has already been made at the practice; through the hard work and enthusiasm of the teams here in Highbridge and with the support of our central team. However, we also recognise that there is continuing hard work to be done in order to develop and sustain the services for the future.”
“I would also like to thank the community, our patients and our Patient Participation Group for their ongoing support and feedback, helping us to develop and make improvements to our services.”
Over the past few months there have also been some very positive changes to Highbridge Medical Centre building, after a Minor Improvement Grant provided by NHS England was approved.
This grant has enabled much needed improvements to be made to the facilities at the centre including the refurbishment of toilets, entrance hall and waiting area – with new flooring and seating being installed, as pictured here.
Dr Berge Balian, Medical Director for Symphony Healthcare Services, added: “We are happy with the outcome of the CQC report and whilst the overall rating is ‘requires improvement’ we are very pleased that three out of five areas have been rated as ‘good’ showing the significant progress that has been made in only a few months.”
“We are very proud of our team at Highbridge who have worked extremely hard to make essential improvements to our service for patients and we will continue to develop our healthcare teams along with new ways of delivering healthcare services for patients.”
If you would like to know more about Highbridge Medical Centre, arrange a visit, or to register as a new patient please call 01278 783220, or visit www.highbridgemc.co.uk
