Leeds Student Medical Practice receives Outstanding rating
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has found the quality of care provided by Leeds Student Medical Practice to be Outstanding following an inspection in May this year.
This is a real achievement by the practice and a fantastic resource for the students of Leeds to have on their doorstep.
Leeds Student Medical Practice is a GP surgery that specialises in caring for the students of Leeds and their immediate families. The practice is purpose built and includes a 3-bed day resting facility for students.
Under CQC’s programme of inspections, all of England’s GP practices are being given a rating in five key areas, are they; safe, effective, caring, responsive and well led. The services provided by Leeds Student Medical Practice have been rated as Outstanding overall.
A full report of the inspection has been published here.
Beverley Cole, Head of General Practice in the North for CQC said:
"It is clear Leeds Student Medical Practice is providing a caring, responsive and well-led service which is a real asset to students in Leeds. To get rated as Outstanding is a real achievement.
We were impressed with the practice’s responsiveness to the needs of students, who make up the majority of their population.
In particular, the in-house mental health team which offered early intervention to patients for a range of issues such as anxiety, depression and eating disorders. Feedback from patients showed the service was really valued by those that used it.
The three bed day care assessment facility was also very impressive, and this helped the practice to be sure that patients were well before they returned home.
This is a great example of what outstanding care looks like.”
The practice had developed an in house mental health team, to offer early interventions to patients. The programme focussed on the treatment of mild to moderate anxiety and depression with an emphasis on guided self-help. The practice had developed pathways to identify the most appropriate use of local services. Patients experiencing mild to moderate anxiety and depression or eating disorders were offered appointments with the practice mental health workers. Patient feedback showed the service was rated very highly.
Inspectors saw that patients were always treated with dignity and respect, and they were always involved in their care and the decisions about their treatment.
The practice provided a three bed, day assessment unit for those patients who required a short period of observation following procedures such as injections or patients who were too ill to travel home immediately. This provision enabled the practice to assure themselves that patients were well before they returned home.
There was a clear leadership structure at the practice, and staff told inspectors that they felt well supported by management. The practice held daily ‘Tea and Toast’ sessions to support team working, communication and increase morale across the team.
Professor Steve Field, Chief Inspector of General Practice said:
“The GPs and staff at Leeds Student Medical Practice have demonstrated a real commitment to their patients and I am delighted to highlight the exceptional service they are providing.”
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