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Rural Surgery Overcomes GP Shortage, Rated Outstanding
23 Sep
Summary
- Alston Medical Practice faced a severe GP shortage in 2021.
- The practice achieved an 'outstanding' rating in 2022.
- Patients praise staff kindness and effective listening skills.
Alston Medical Practice in rural Cumbria has received significant praise for its dedicated staff and exceptional care, overcoming a severe GP shortage. In 2021, the surgery was left with only one general practitioner due to recruitment difficulties.
Following its integration with Cumbria Health, the practice achieved an outstanding rating in 2022. Subsequent inspections by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in April and May reaffirmed this status, rating the practice as outstanding for being well-led and caring. It also received good ratings for safety, responsiveness, and effectiveness.
Carrie Martin, Head of General Practice at Cumbria Health, highlighted the "fantastic achievement," noting the unique challenges of providing healthcare in rural settings. The CQC's deputy director, Linda Hirst, commended the "exceptional leaders" and the staff for prioritizing patient care. Patients provided overwhelmingly positive feedback, citing ease of appointments, staff approachability, and attentive doctors who actively listened and involved them in their treatment, such as medication reviews.
