TWO GP practices based in the NHS hub in Swindon town centre have been praised by the Care Quality Commission.

The Whalebridge Practice and the Carfax NHS Medical Centre were each rated as Good by the CQC in their latest inspection reports.

Inspectors said staff at both practices, which are both based at the multi-million pound Islington Street NHS building, treated patients with compassion, kindness, dignity and respect.

Carfax NHS Medical Centre was recognised for its easy-to-use appointments booking system, focus on improvement and its domestic violence service that provided confidential advice and support. The practice has almost 15,000 registered patients.

The CQC added: “Patients with a learning disability could have their influenza administered in their own homes. The practice worked with outside agencies to support the care of homeless people. Patients without a registered address who were deemed as homeless could access the practice.2

The Whalebridge, which has over 11,000 patients on its books, was praised for its appointment booking system. “Patients found it east to use and reported that they were able to access care when they needed it,” CQC chief inspector of GPs Prof Steve Field said.

However, they said the practice should continue its efforts to screen more women for cervical cancer and improve patient satisfaction with services. Both practices should form a patient participation group, giving people more of a say in how the practice is managed, the CQC said.

The Carfax NHS Medical Centre should review its systems to identify patients who are carers for relatives and friends, as well as their arrangements for recording and managing prescription items.