Watchdog upgrades medical centre to 'outstanding'

A medical centre in Bradford which was previously deemed by the health watchdog as "requires improvement" has had its rating upgraded to "outstanding" after a fresh inspection.

In 2023, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) found what it said was a breach of regulation in relation to safe care and treatment at Leylands Medical Centre in Heaton.

However, a new inspection earlier this year found "significant improvements" had been made and the practice was no longer in breach of the regulation, according to the CQC.

Inspectors said the practice had undergone an "impressive transformation" and had invested in new ways of working which made a "real difference" to people.

The latest inspection at the practice, which is based across three sites in Heaton and which offers care to about 18,700 people, was carried out in March to check on progress since the previous rating, a CQC spokesperson said.

As well as giving an overall rating of "outstanding" to the practice following the most recent inspection, the CQC also upgraded its rating for being effective from "requires improvement" to "outstanding".

Meanwhile, its rating for being well-led was improved from "good" to "outstanding" and its rating for being safe and responsive was upgraded from "requires improvement" to "good"

The practice's rating for caring continued to be "good", the CQC spokesperson said.

A report by CQC inspectors also found that leaders at Leylands Medical Centre had implemented a targeted programme to improve cervical screening uptake which had seen a 44% increase in screening procedures within six months.

The practice had also redesigned how results from NHS health checks were provided to people to make it easier for them to understand, and had expanded NHS health checks to help prevent patients' health deteriorating, inspectors found.

The report stated that the practice had identified there had previously been a reduced availability of in-person British Sign Language interpreters to help support people, so it had begun using an electronic device to deliver remote support during appointments.

Linda Hirst, CQC deputy director of operations in the north east, said leaders at Leylands Medical Centre had "created a culture where innovation and improvement were an important part of everyday working life" and had "invested in new ways of working which made a real difference to people".

"For example, a redesigned triage system now means clinicians have all the information they need, including previous GP appointments and details of pre-existing health conditions, so they can carry out thorough assessments on people," she said.

"The whole team at Leylands Medical Centre should be proud of what they've achieved. This is exactly the kind of practice other services across the country should look to as an example of what outstanding, person-centred care looks like."

Tom Baker, practice manager at Leylands, said staff were "incredibly proud" of the improved CQC rating which reflected a "major transformation" and he thanked patients for their support.

"Patient feedback, both positive and challenging, has helped us understand where we needed to improve and has shaped many of the changes recognised in this report," Baker said.

"Primary care is changing rapidly, and we are committed to continuing to adapt, innovate and work with patients, staff, community organisations and NHS partners to provide safe, compassionate, effective and accessible care."

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