Practice makes perfect

26th April 2016

Marple Cottage Surgery has been rated as “outstanding” after impressing inspectors with the quality of its care.

The Care Quality Commission visited the practice in February as part of a national inspection in which practices are given ratings based on various factors.

These include safety, effectiveness and responsiveness as well as whether or not they are well led and safe.

Marple Cottage Surgery on Church Street has around 7,000 patients and patient feedback was taken into consideration in the rating.

The inspectors noted that the practice worked closely with other organisations and the local community in planning how services were provided to ensure that they met patients’ needs.

The practice was applauded for using innovative methods to improve patient care.

For example, the surgery is one of just two practices in England trialing video consultations so patient and doctor can see each other remotely.

Also all doctors within the practice have given their email addresses so that patients can email them directly with any health concerns or questions. GPs aim to respond to patients within 24 hours.

The surgery also runs popular, patient education sessions which help patients to manage their own conditions and make improvements to their lifestyle which will benefit their health.

In his report, Professor Steve Field, the Chief Inspector of General Practice said “The practice has a strong vision, which puts quality, effective care and treatment as its top priority.

“Feedback from patients about their care was consistently and strongly positive. Patients described the GP practice as excellent.”