A GP surgery has been rated as 'outstanding' following an inspection.

Eastern Daily Press: Sole Bay Healthcare Centre. PHOTO: Nick ButcherSole Bay Healthcare Centre. PHOTO: Nick Butcher (Image: ©archant2016)

The Sole Bay Health Centre in Reydon, near Southwold, was found to be providing a safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led service that meets the needs of the population it serves – according to the healthcare regulator the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The inspection highlighted a number of areas of outstanding practice, including the work of the Southwold Care Services Improvement Partnership (CSIP) project in supporting the complex needs of the older population, particularly those over 85.

Janet Williamson, deputy chief inspector of general practice and dentistry in CQC's Central region, said: 'Patients said they were treated with compassion, dignity and respect and they were involved in their care and decisions about their treatment.

'There was a clear leadership structure and staff felt supported by management.

'In addition, views of external stakeholders were very positive and aligned with our findings.'

Dr John Stammers, general practitioner and partner at the Sole Bay Health Centre said: 'All the doctors and staff are absolutely thrilled with the CQC's inspection.

'It is very much a team effort, and on behalf of senior partner Dr Chris Castle, this is only because of the hard work of all our staff and we are proud to receive this recognition.'

The practice has also been in discussions with HealthEast - the clinical commission group for Great Yarmouth and Waveney - to take over an adjoining plot of land to be developed into the Sole Bay Health and Care Home to extend the CSIP's work.

The practice had also instigated the Sole Bay Care Fund, a charity run by trustees to provide short-term emergency care, resources and equipment not normally funded by the NHS or Social Services to help patients with an acute medical or social care need, reducing some unnecessary hospital admissions.

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