The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated South Hylton Surgery, in South Hylton, Sunderland, as outstanding, following an inspection on 11 December.
South Hylton Surgery, also known as Sunderland GP Alliance Limited, provides GP services to around 4,500 people.
This inspection was carried out in response to data gathered from the NHS England GP Patient Survey 2024 where people had given mixed feedback about the quality of the care they received at the practice. Inspectors looked at the areas of responsive and well-led.
Following this inspection, the overall rating for the practice, as well as the area of responsive, has moved up from good to outstanding. Well-led is rated outstanding again and the areas of caring, effective and safe weren’t inspected so remain rated good from the previous inspection.
Victoria Marsden, CQC deputy director of operations in the north, said:
“When we inspected South Hylton Surgery, we found a GP practice where managers and staff went the extra mile to ensure people were receiving the best possible care. Leaders have reviewed data collected in a recent patient survey and have created an action plan to address the concerns highlighted.
“Managers work with the local community to deliver exemplary care and are receptive to new ideas. For example, one person was supported by staff to access food, clothing, and daily living essentials by working in collaboration with social services and charities.
“The practice tailors its services to meet the needs of the local community. For example, an online system ensures winter vaccinations for care home residents and house-bound people are provided in a flexible and timely manner. In addition, staff had recently delivered resuscitation training at a local primary school to educate children on lifesaving techniques.
“It's also positive that processes are in place to ensure people can easily register at the practice, including those in vulnerable circumstances such as people with no fixed address.
“All staff should be extremely proud of the care they’re providing to local people. They clearly work hard to provide exceptional care, and other providers should look at this report to see if there’s anything they can learn.”
Inspectors found:
- People described staff as outstanding, understanding, friendly, and helpful.
- The service is exceptional at making sure people are at the centre of their care and treatment choices.
- People know how to give feedback and are confident the service takes it seriously and acts upon it.
- The service works to reduce health and care inequalities through training and innovation.
- Leaders are visible, knowledgeable and supportive and help staff develop in their roles.
- There’s an active patient participation group (PPG) that represents the views of people using the service.
- A new role of wellbeing and safeguarding lead has been introduced to the practice, for people who need preventative, holistic or social support.