A BURY doctors' surgery has been rated "outstanding" by national inspection team.

Rock Healthcare on Derby Way received the highest overall mark from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) after an inspection earlier this year — with particular praise given for its flexible appointments system and compassionate, patient-focused approach.

In a survey to accompany the report, 99 per cent of Rock Healthcare patients said they were happy with their surgery. putting the practice in the top two per cent nationally for patient satisfaction.

The practice serves around 3,800 patients and helps non-registered patients requiring urgent care.

Inspectors reported that:

• The surgery was outstanding at caring for older people — offering them home visits and rapid appointments when required

• The care of families, children and young people excelled

• Working people were catered for with plenty of online services available and evening and weekend appointments

• Care of those with long-term conditions was also excellent

The CQC noted that new information technology was in widespread usage, processes were highly efficient and staff were motivated, caring, conscientious, well managed and forward thinking.

The practice is the only one in the borough to be open 365 days a year, and was cited for its flexibility. At a time when access to GP appointments is a national issue, 92 per cent of Rock Healthcare patients said they were able to get an appointment that was convenient for them.

Dr Kiran Patel, chairman of NHS Bury Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “The CQC has praised Rock Healthcare for delivering people centred, clinically effective, efficient and sustainable care. I believe this has been achieved by the practice listening to their patients and delivering quality healthcare that responds to need.

"I am certain that all 33 GP surgeries in Bury can and will learn from Rock Healthcare’s experience and strive to attain the same excellent outcomes.”

Paul Massey, director of practice management at Rock Healthcare, said: “Rock Healthcare was formed six years ago by a number of local GPs and also the local out-of-hours provider. Its aim at the outset was to improve patient services and experiences for both its registered and unregistered patients..

"To receive the recognition from the CQC that Rock Healthcare is 'outstanding' is a fantastic achievement to all of its hardworking staff. This achievement, however, is built on the back of six years of hard work and dedication that has been put in by all of the staff who all believe passionately in improving patient services and experiences.

"Rock Healthcare Ltd has always chosen to tackle inequalities in both patient services and experiences and has worked closely with both NHS Bury CCG and NHS England in providing those services that other providers have found difficult.”