Bracknell GP practice boosted by ‘Good’ rating in final assessment before merger
A Bracknell GP practice achieved a dramatic turnaround in its fortunes by gaining a ‘Good’ rating from the national regulator, just days before merging with a neighbouring practice.
Sandhurst Group Practice was rated Inadequate and put in special measures towards the end of 2022. However, the latest Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection report published on 27th June saw the rating jump two levels, reflecting the huge efforts by the GP partners, practice staff, external experts and local NHS.
The ‘Good’ news was a fitting end to a chapter in the life of the practice. On Saturday, 1st July, Sandhurst merged with Ringmead Medical Practice to become part of Ringmead Medical Group, in a move aimed at strengthening and improving local GP services for the patients of both former practices.
Dr Anita Vakil, a former GP partner at Sandhurst Group Practice and now a GP with the new Ringmead Medical Group, said: “Everyone from the former Sandhurst Group Practice is delighted to have been given an overall rating of Good.
“We’ve been through a very difficult time and a lot of people have worked extremely hard and we want to acknowledge that hard work and dedication of our staff and the support of our external partners and NHS colleagues in this fantastic achievement.
“Last week’s news helped us to go into the merger in a much stronger and more positive position, which can only be good news for us and for our patients.”
Throughout the transformation the practice has been supported by primary care experts Health Integration Partners (HiP), as well as NHS Frimley – the local health service commissioners.
Nicola Airey is Director of Commissioning and Assurance and Place Convenor for Bracknell Forest at NHS Frimley. She said: “To see such a turnaround in a practice in a relatively short space of time is really remarkable. On behalf of NHS Frimley I want to thank everyone from the former Sandhurst Group Practice, as well as HiP, and my own NHS colleagues, who have worked so incredibly hard on this.
“We’re now into the next stage of the life of the practice, as part of the new Ringmead Medical Group, which will be able to build on the great work reflected in the latest CQC rating.”