A HEALTH centre has been rated outstanding by Government inspectors.

Cestria Health Centre in Chester-le-Street was inspected by staff from the Care Quality Commission in November and their glowing report has now been published.

The centre was singled out for praise for a number of innovations, including monthly practice meetings held at a care home linked to the centre, which allowed for early treatment of mental health issues in the elderly.

Staff carry out a hospital-style ward round approach in the home which cut the number of unplanned admissions to hospital for older patients.

The practice had a dedicated nurse who carries out regular home visits to review patients’ care plans and contacts patients on discharge from hospital to ensure they receive appropriate support.

Cestria plans to extend this work with the appointment of another nurse practitioner.

Alison Holbourn, Deputy Chief Inspector of General Practice said:

“It is clear that Cestria Health Centre is providing an effective and well-led service which is an asset to people living in this part of County Durham.

“To get rated as outstanding is a real achievement”.

She added: “It was impressive to see the commitment the practice had to making sure patients were still receiving care that was above and beyond expectations even when provided in locations away from the actual surgery.

“We found a compassionate practice that put providing effective services for their patients at the heart of everything they did”.