PCT Welcomes findings of Quality Review in GP Practices
06/08/2008
Gloucestershire PCT has today welcomed the findings of a comprehensive review of primary care which shows that local GP practices are achieving excellent results in improving the quality of patient care.
The national Quality Outcome Framework (QOF), rewards healthcare providers for the quality rather than the quantity of care and GP Practices were awarded points across a range of standards.
The county’s 83 practices achieved an average of 97.8% in their delivery of high quality care to patients suffering from long term (chronic) conditions such as coronary heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, cancer and mental health.
In organisation of their practices they scored an average of 96.7%.
The quality of the patient experience is an important part of the review and overall the county’s doctors scored an impressive 98.8% in this area.
In additional services they scored an average of 96.7%.
Chief Executive of Gloucestershire Primary Care Trust, Jan Stubbings said:
“The level of achievement by GP practices has been excellent, with many exceeding their original aspirations.”
“The effort that was put into achieving the quality standards placed great demands on already busy staff, including GPs, Practice Managers, Nurses and administrative staff, but Practices report that the work that was put in has improved care and services for patients.”
“This review is especially significant as the standards relate to quality of care and patient experience across a range of health conditions as well as access to services.”
The QOF reviews for all practices were introduced in 2004 and assessments have taken place each year since. The Practices are assessed by a team made up of a GP Assessor, a PCT Manager and Lay Assessor (patient representative).
All the Practices worked hard to prepare for their Reviews and were required to submit a substantial amount of evidence to the PCT prior to their visit.
Acting Chairman of the Gloucestershire Local Medical Committee Dr Phillip Fielding said:
“These results are exceptional evidence of the quality and dedication of primary care services in Gloucestershire.”
“The evidence based results not only show that Gloucestershire general practitioners are providing an excellent service to their patients, but also show that much of the chronic disease management of patients with long standing conditions are being well looked after in the community. Quality of care, local access, well organised practices and a strong relationship between the patient and the GP are the foundation stone of these results and the patients of Gloucestershire should be justifiably proud and reassured of the service they are receiving.”
