Garstang surgery a good example amongst under-performing NHS

A GARSTANG surgery has been highlighted as setting a good example despite the Care Quality Commission (CQC) releasing a report which said two thirds of NHS hospitals were falling below safeguarding standards.
GOOD EXAMPLE: Staff at Garstang's Windsor Surgery have been praised by the CQCGOOD EXAMPLE: Staff at Garstang's Windsor Surgery have been praised by the CQC
GOOD EXAMPLE: Staff at Garstang's Windsor Surgery have been praised by the CQC

Windsor Surgery on Kepple Lane achieved a 'good' rating overall after CQC inspectors found evidence of "outstanding work" in the way the practice meets patients’ needs and strives for continuous improvement.

The recently-released report, stated this about the Garstang surgery: "Staff and patients were involved in local forums to drive up standards. Changes in national best practice were shared and agreed between staff and supporting community teams. In particular, the practice held meetings every week to improve how it delivered services. Many meetings included external professionals – and where appropriate, patients were invited. Inspectors saw audits on care delivery and outcomes for patients with long term conditions – the aim is to improve services. The practice nurses worked with community teams to avoid hospital admissions. For any GPs returning from long-term leave, mentoring is available."

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The surgery was rated 'outstanding' in 10 areas and business manager at the surgery, Catherine Thornton said: "We're really glad that our hard work has been recognised. We're always reviewing our services because we always want to provide the highest standards. We're always looking at how we can change and improve what we offer and part of that is having strong links with other local health and social care services. This allows us to give patients the best possible care as well as keeping them out of hospital, which also has benefits such as keeping beds free. It's all part of the Integrated Care Community (ICC) which sees us all work together and we encourage patients to give us feedback too, so we can understand where to improve. We also have a very robust mentoring system which provides GPs who are returning from long term leave with a good way back into work."

The report, which was produced by the CQC, highlighted safety and lack of staff as problems in two out of every three hospitals but Catherine says Windsor Surgery hopes to continue it's good work.

She said: "We always want to improve and do the very best for our patients. We're pleased with being rated as outstanding in 10 areas by the CQC and we will continue to work hard."

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