A SWALEDALE medical practice has been rated in the top three per cent in the county by a health and social care regulator – and it is also the first outstanding grade throughout Yorkshire and Humber.

Reeth Medical Practice is one of the smallest GP surgeries in North Yorkshire but has been recognised by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) as one of the best for its care across all patient groups.

The CQC inspected the Reeth Medical Practice in May and awarded outstanding grades for caring, effectiveness, responsiveness and being well led.

The single-doctor practice run by a husband and wife team looks after about 1,600 patients in Swaledale and Arkengarthdale, covering a remote area of almost 200 square miles.

The report highlights some key findings, including the practice using innovative and proactive methods to improve patient outcomes; demonstrating that they were acutely aware of their population groups and responding appropriately.

The practice, the report adds, is focused on the challenges faced by a rural community and planned services around them.

The GP partner, Dr Mike Brookes, said, “We are delighted with the result, which reflects the hard work the staff have put into the practice over the last seven years.

“The result shows that there is still a place for small practices and that it is possible for them to perform as well as, if not better, than many of their larger counterparts.”

Managing partner Marie Brookes added: “We have set a high standard for ourselves with the recent result, but there is always more we can do for our patients, and we are looking forward to starting some exciting new community projects later in the year.”

The practice is part of Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby Clinical Commissioning Group, which is responsible for commissioning the majority of health services across the area.

Dr Vicky Pleydell, clinical chief officer at the CCG, said: “The geography in our area presents a particular challenge to the delivery of healthcare.

"This report demonstrates that high quality care can be delivered in very rural areas, and this success is of huge credit to Mike and Marie and their team. "This report is something they can rightly be proud of and patients can have absolute confidence in the practice.”

During a recent visit to the practice, Rishi Sunak MP said, “It is a tremendous achievement to be rated outstanding and shows what we are capable of in our rural community.”

The report can be read on the CQC’s website: http://www.cqc.org.uk/location/1-554698595.