The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has published glowing reports for five health practices across Greater Manchester this week, awarding each a 'good' rating. The practices, located in Bolton, Rochdale, and Salford, were praised for their patient care, community support, and innovative approaches to healthcare.
Bolton Practices Shine
Crompton View Surgery, also known as Dr Walmsley and partners, on Crompton Way serves nearly 6,000 patients in an area with relatively high deprivation. The CQC praised staff for supporting patients to live healthier lives and treating them with 'empathy and dignity'. Patients described staff as 'always kind and doing their best to help you'. The surgery employs Health Improvement Practitioners who assist with issues like loneliness, money, jobs, and housing alongside medical care. The report also commended clean facilities, well-maintained equipment, adequate staffing, and good infection control.
Fig Tree Medical Practice in Farnworth, on Frederick Street, also received a 'good' rating. Specializing in midwifery, family planning, and diagnostics, the practice was praised for effective medical care, routine health monitoring, and regular contact with high-priority groups such as those with serious mental health issues or diabetes. Inspectors found the practice well-staffed, clean, and safe, with staff sharing a 'shared vision' for continuous improvement and a 'proactive relationship between senior staff and employees'.
Rochdale Care Provider and Surgery
Apollo Home Healthcare Limited – North West, an at-home care service, received a glowing report for its 'highly personalised care' for children and adults with complex care needs, often after extended hospital stays. The provider serves 62 people, including 36 children, and was praised for including families in care planning and working alongside other healthcare professionals. One person said: 'It’s a brilliant service and carers go the extra mile.' Another added carers were 'responsive' and 'approachable'. The management team was noted for 'excellent oversight' and a 'strong culture of learning and improvement'.
The Village Medical Centre in Littleborough was rated 'good' for its skilled staff and effective services. The CQC was particularly impressed by screening programmes performing better than the England average for breast and bowel cancer, and cancer awareness events. The practice opened between 7am and 8am to allow women to attend cervical smear tests outside working hours. Patients described their care as 'just fantastic', and inspectors witnessed a 'clean, safe, and well-staffed practice'.
Salford Practice Lauded for Inclusivity
The Sides Medical Practice on Moorside Road in Swinton was deemed 'well-led, effective, and caring' with a 'good' rating. Over 100 patients provided glowing reviews, describing staff as 'brilliant', 'truly caring', and 'like a family'. The practice was praised for addressing barriers to accessing medical care, such as extra support for those with learning disabilities and considering needs of homeless patients. Staff kept facilities clean and well-maintained, and employed a 'proactive approach to health promotion within the community'. The practice responded positively to critical feedback, making changes to improve processes. Most feedback referenced excellent treatment, caring staff, and kind receptionists.
