A CITY medical practice has received an outstanding rating from health chiefs.

Fisherton House, which is the main site for Salisbury Medical Practice, was rated outstanding by the Care Quality Commission for its services and leadership.

Salisbury Medical Practice managing partner Dr Rebecca Seabridge said: “This was a whole team effort with staff and patients working hard to show the inspectors how innovative the practice is.

“Despite the current pressures that the NHS and general practice in particular face, we strive to provide care to the highest standard, seeking creative ways to improve how we deliver it, involving patients and our community.”

“We especially want to thank our patients, who have supported us with the changes we have made. The practice mergers, move to modern premises and introduction of new services have been made easier as a result of their involvement.”

“Ideas gathered through the patient group or via feedback help us to shape the services our patients want.”

The report said the practice was “good” in terms of care, safety and services being responsive to people’s needs.

Chief Inspector Professor Steve Field said: “The practice was run efficiently and well organised.

“The practice proactively sought feedback from staff and patients which it acted on.

“The leadership, governance and culture of the practice put quality and safety as its top priority in delivering person centred care and treatment.”

The report said outstanding work included the use of a consultant nurse practitioner to lead a specialist team to deliver a rapid response assessment and intervention service for older frail and vulnerable patients.

The key findings of the inspection said there was an “open and transparent” approach to safety and an effective system was in place for reporting and recording significant events.

Risks to patients were “assessed and well managed,” the report said.

It added: “Patients said they were treated with compassion, dignity and respect and they were involved in their care and decision about their treatment.

“The needs of vulnerable patients had been identified and measures had been put in place to bridge the gaps.”

Inspectors highlighted the “good facilities” at the practice, which runs patient support cafés for those who are socially isolated. People with poor mental health also received help.

The report said the quality of care for patients including older people; those with long-term conditions; families, children and young people; vulnerable people and those experiencing poor mental health were outstanding.