A GP SURGERY in Skipton has retained its ‘outstanding’ rating from the Care Quality Commission.

Dyneley House Surgery, which looks after more than 12,000 patients, including more than the national average of 50 to 85 year olds, is the only practice in the Wharfedale and Craven Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to currently have the highest possible rating.

Dr Andrew Sumnall, who leads the Newmarket Street surgery, said: “This acknowledges and recognises the immense hard work that all of our staff do, going the extra mile to try and give the best possible service to our patients. The recognition is even more pertinent because Dyneley House Surgery looks after many vulnerable older people.”

At its recent review, the surgery was found to be maintaining its high standard of service. At a previous inspection in 2016, the CQC found that the surgery provided an overall outstanding service, particularly in the effective, responsive and well-led domains it assesses.

The surgery has taken steps to improve the lives of people living with dementia, winning a national award for its ‘Outstanding Contribution to Dementia Friendly Communities’ in 2015.

It has adapted its reception area to become dementia friendly by using contrasting paintwork between walls and doorways, using a dementia-friendly clock with clear figures and displaying local images and other familiar objects.

Dr James Thomas, clinical chairman of Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “The practice is the only one in our CCG area to currently be rated as outstanding.

“As a CCG, our aim is that everyone who lives in Craven is able to access the best quality primary care and we are currently supporting our practices to work together in networks so that they can offer more services to patients and share best practice between them.”