Dursley GP surgery praised by watchdog CQC following latest inspection

Acorn Practice, which provides primary medical services to around 4,000 patients in Dursley and the surrounding area, was rated “Good” across the board following a visit from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) on November 14.

In the report, inspectors found the practice routinely review the effectiveness and appropriateness of the care it provided and that staff are “involved and treated patients with compassion, kindness, dignity and respect”.

It also praised the practice for having services that “were tailored to meet the needs of individual patients and delivered in a way that ensured flexibility and choice”, and for having “a focus on continuous learning and improvement at all levels of the organisation”.

It was also noted that the practice had clear systems to manage risk so that safety incidents were less likely to happen. When incidents did happen, inspectors found that the practice learned from them and improved their processes.

The report also commended two areas of “outstanding practice”.

The first regarding one of the GPs had undertaken additional training in drug and alcohol misuse in order to better support patients and becoming a mentor for colleagues looking to do the same.

The second praised one of the GPs at the practice for working with a nurse practitioner from another practice to deliver a sexual health clinic for the area.

As a point to encourage further improvement, Professor Steve Field, the CQC’s chief inspector of general practice, said that the practice should ensure that actions are taken to improve patient feedback.

Dr Jane Milson from the practice said they were very pleased by the CQC rating.

She said: “This result is a credit to our fantastic team of receptionists, nurses, doctors, manager and office staff who every day go the extra mile in order to meet our patients’ needs.

“The inspection process itself takes up much time and effort so it is good to see our endeavours recognised.”