University Medical Centre awarded 'Outstanding' by Care Quality Commission

Tuesday, 12 May 2015

Staff at the University Medical Centre on Northcourt Avenue in Reading were celebrating this week as they were awarded an ‘outstanding’ rating by the Care Quality Commission, the OFSTED equivalent for the health service.

The practice, already voted Reading’s favourite by patients in the annual NHS survey, was visited by the Care Quality Commission on 28 January but the outstanding confirmation has only just come through from inspectors.

Less than 7% of practices inspected so far in England have been awarded this prestigious rating.

Commenting, senior partner Dr Elizabeth Johnston said ‘we are delighted to have received this rating. As a whole staff team we aim for outstanding and due to everyone’s hard work and commitment this was recognised by the inspectors. We were especially pleased to be commended for the good access to appointments that our patients enjoy as this is an area that is under the spotlight at the moment.’

The inspectors talked to many staff and patients during their visit to hear first hand their views of how the practice was run. The practice is the largest in Reading and registers people living in the local community as well as students; the inspectors commented on how medical care for all was pro-active and well managed.