A DOCTORS' practice in the North-East has today been awarded a rare "gold standard" following an inspection by watchdogs.

Orchard Court Surgery in Darlington has been rated as "outstanding" by the Care Quality Commission.

Inspectors rated the practice as outstanding for, caring, responsiveness, patient safety and effective leadership.

The surgery, run by doctors Steve Charlton, David Russell, Sally Stone, Richard Stevens, and practice manager Karen Fuat, used every opportunity to learn from internal and external incidents. Information about safety was highly valued and risk management was comprehensive.

The practice actively promoted diabetic patient education schemes and there were numerous examples of a commitment to work collaboratively with other partners.

Staff applied a holistic approach to managing patients and inspectors saw many examples where staff had supported patients with other aspects of their lives, such as their social life to enhance their wellbeing.

Sue McMillan, Deputy Chief Inspector of General Practice, said: “The care we observed at the practice really was excellent. It sets a high standard that every GP Practice should seek to attain.

“The practice had a clear vision – it had quality and safety as its top priority and there was a high level of staff satisfaction. Staff were proud of the practice they worked for and spoke highly of the culture.

"This is an excellent, well-led GP Practice that is innovative, where patients can access appointments and services in a way and at a time to suit them."

A practice statement said: "Orchard Court is extremely pleased that our CQC report has put us in the outstanding category. We would like to express our gratitude to our patients as it only in working together with them that the team at Orchard Court can achieve the high standards we have been judged to have.

"We also like to acknowledge the contribution made by every member of both the team at Orchard Court and also the wider primary health professionals attached to the practice."