Bradford’s Tong Medical Practice is rated ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has found the quality of care provided by Tong Medical Practice to be Outstanding following an inspection carried out in February 2015.
Inspectors found that the practice was providing an innovative, safe, caring, effective, responsive and well led service that is dedicated to improving outcomes for its patients. The practice was rated as Outstanding for the care and treatment provided to all population groups.
Tong Medical Practice provides a primary care service to patients living in and around Bradford. The practice also provides services one morning a week at Holme Wood Health Centre also in Bradford.
A full report of the inspection has been published today: www.cqc.org.uk/location/1-587967049
Under CQC’s new programme of inspections, all England’s GP practices are being given a rating according to whether they are safe, effective, caring, responsive and well led.
The report on Tong Medical Practice highlights a number of areas of good and outstanding practice, including:
- The practice had a dedicated member of staff in a patient liaison role. Their role included working with the patient participation group (PPG) and the community interest company (CIC) to improve services for patients.
- One GP had a specific interest to improve care for patients with mental ill health and learning disabilities. This GP provided extended appointments for patients with mental health problems, and was a resource for other clinicians.
- Working closely with the local secondary school, the practice established weekly drop in clinics for young people to discuss health concerns and we saw that there was a good level of take up of this service.
- The practice worked very closely with other health professionals, community and voluntary services, and were focused on using every opportunity for health promotion. A community interest company, Healthy Lifestyle, had been initiated at the practice and provided a wide range of additional clinics and services for patients.
- The majority of patients spoke positively about the care and treatment they received. Patients also told inspectors that staff at the practice were very good at signposting them to services offering support and that the practice had set up a number of support groups for patients.
- There was a clear leadership structure and staff felt supported by management. The practice proactively sought feedback from staff and patients, which it acted on.
Sue McMillan, deputy chief inspector of General Practice in the North said:
“It is clear that Tong Medical Practice is providing an effective, highly responsive and caring service which is a real asset to the people living in this part of Bradford.
“I was particularly impressed with practice’s proactive work to encourage patient engagement amongst the younger population and initiate positive service improvements.
“We found that staff demonstrated a sound understanding of the differing needs of their patients and acted on these needs in the planning and delivery of its services
“The GPs and staff have demonstrated a real commitment to their patient’s wellbeing.
“All of this hard work and dedication pays off in making a real difference for their patients – which is why we have found this practice to be Outstanding.”
Dr Angela Moulson, senior GP partner at Tong Medical Practice, said: “We are delighted that the CQC has recognised our practice as ‘outstanding’. We are the first in Bradford – and the first in Yorkshire and Humber – to be rated at such a high level and puts the practice among the best in the country, which makes us extremely proud.
“We have a fantastic skilled team of staff who work hard and really care about our patients, their health and how we can help them improve their overall wellbeing. The report highlights the strong links we have with the local community and how this enhances our relationship with patients by better understanding of their lifestyles and the challenges, both medical and social, that many of them face.
“By working closely with voluntary and community sector partners, we’re able to offer a wider service by signposting people to help and advice which can have a positive impact on their health and wellbeing. We have over 8,000 patients but we treat them all as individuals, engage with them and listen to their feedback, and always try to offer the very best care we can.”
Dr Andy Withers, clinical chair of NHS Bradford Districts CCG, added: “This CQC report is great news; it shows how strong leadership, coupled with the engagement of staff and patients alike, makes for a very effective GP practice, which delivers care tailored to the needs of the local community.
“Staff at the practice should be rightly proud of their achievement as it reflects the commitment they have to their patients and their drive to help people live healthier lifestyles, whatever their background and circumstances, by offering high quality care and working closely with other support services.”