Inspectors said the centre “puts people at the heart of everything it does”.
Staff photo of Binscombe Medical Centre, Godalming.(Image: Martin Bamford Photography)
A Godalming GP surgery has been rated “Outstanding” for the second time by the social care watchdog, putting it among just three practices across Surrey Heartlands to hold the top rating.
Binscombe Medical Centre, which serves around 11,600 patients, was inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in October last year and officially re-rated on December 16.
Inspectors praised the practice for putting people “at the heart of everything it does” and for going “above and beyond” to make healthcare accessible.
Dr Sarah Pidgeon, GP partner at the practice, said: “Our whole team at Binscombe Medical Centre is extremely proud to have the commitment we make to our patients and staff recognised and reflected in this CQC assessment and report.
“After recent re-assessment by CQC, the continuation of an outstanding rating highlights our dedication to truly patient centred care which we hold dear and is underpinned by our practice values.”
The practice retained its outstanding overall rating, with ‘Caring’ and ‘Responsive’ both judged outstanding. ‘Safe’ and ‘Effective’ were rated good and ‘Well-led’ dropped slightly from outstanding to good.
Inspectors highlighted innovative services, including health passports for neurodiverse patients and appointments with a GP chaplain to provide emotional and spiritual support.
Stephen Paisley, CQC deputy director of operations in Surrey, said: “When we inspected Binscombe Medical Centre, we found a practice that puts people at the heart of everything it does.
“Staff didn’t just treat people with kindness, they went above and beyond to ensure everyone could access the care they needed in a way that worked for them.”
Mr Paisley added: “The practice has built strong relationships with its community and developed innovative ways to support people who might otherwise struggle to access healthcare.
“Leaders have listened carefully to what matters to their community and responded with real creativity and compassion.”
Patient feedback played a big role in the result. CQC received 58 comments, described as “overwhelmingly positive”. Survey results showed 98 per cent of patients felt their needs were met during appointments – well above the national average of 90 per cent. Meanwhile, 97 per cent said staff listened well, compared to 87 per cent nationally.
The inspection also found the practice works closely with local charities and organisations to tackle health inequalities and social isolation, regularly referring patients to community groups and support services.
Safeguarding workshops with schools, midwives and health visitors were praised for improving communication and awareness of wider family issues.
Staff wellbeing was another standout area, with inspectors reporting a “highly positive culture” where employees felt supported, valued and encouraged to develop their careers.
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