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Study Reveals the Best & Worst GP Practices in the West Midlands

Home > Study Reveals the Best & Worst GP Practices in the West Midlands

New research from Midland Health has highlighted disparities in healthcare quality across GP practices in the West Midlands. Based on three essential metrics – Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) achievements, Care Quality Commission (CQC) ratings, and NHS Patient Survey scores – the study reveals that patients in some of the region’s most underserved communities are struggling to access adequate healthcare. Read on to find out if your GP made the list.

The 10 Worst-Rated GP Practices in the West Midlands

The report reveals that some GP practices are falling short of the standards expected. Topping the list of the worst-rated practices is the Great Barr Practice on Walsall Road in Great Barr, which scored an overall 36.4 out of 100. Despite its location in a high-need area, it received low marks for both patient satisfaction and care quality. Similar low scores were noted at Mirfield Surgery and Pleck Health Centre, with 44.4 and 45.9, respectively.

Here are the 10 worst-rated GP practices in the West Midlands:

  1. Great Barr Practice, Walsall – Overall Score: 36.4
  2. Mirfield Surgery, Birmingham – Overall Score: 44.4
  3. Pleck Health Centre, Walsall – Overall Score: 45.9
  4. St John’s Medical Centre, Walsall – Overall Score: 46.0
  5. Bath Street Medical Centre, Dudley – Overall Score: 47.7
  6. Phoenix Family Care, Coventry – Overall Score: 48.6
  7. Selly Oak Health Centre, Birmingham – Overall Score: 48.7
  8. New Street Surgery, Dudley – Overall Score: 49.3
  9. Saltley and Fernbank Medical Practice, Birmingham – Overall Score: 49.4
  10. Poolway Medical Centre, Birmingham – Overall Score: 49.9

The figures suggest that many patients in deprived areas who usually rely most on NHS services are left with limited access to high-quality care. As a result, those who may not be able to afford to go private are disproportionately affected.

The 10 Best-Rated GP Practices in the West Midlands

On the other end of the scale, several GP practices stand out for providing high-quality care, receiving top ratings across key metrics. Kingsbury Road Medical Centre in Birmingham leads the rankings with an impressive score of 95.9, receiving an ‘Outstanding’ CQC rating and a patient satisfaction score of 94.2%. Mossley & Dudley Fields Medical Practice and Rotton Park Medical Centre follow closely, each scoring above 90.

Here are the 10 best-rated GP practices in the West Midlands:

  1. Kingsbury Road Medical Centre, Birmingham – Overall Score: 95.9
  2. Mossley & Dudley Fields Medical Practice, Walsall – Overall Score: 93.1
  3. Rotton Park Medical Centre, Birmingham – Overall Score: 92.4
  4. Northbrook Health Centre, Solihull – Overall Score: 91.2
  5. Ridgacre House Surgery, Birmingham – Overall Score: 90.8
  6. Allesley Park Medical Centre, Coventry – Overall Score: 89.5
  7. Selly Park Surgery, Birmingham – Overall Score: 88.8
  8. Bloxwich Medical Practice, Walsall – Overall Score: 88.2
  9. Stroud Practice, Walsall – Overall Score: 87.9
  10. Holland Park Surgery, West Bromwich – Overall Score: 87.9

These top-rated practices demonstrate how high-quality, patient-centred care positively impacts patient satisfaction and outcomes. They set an example of the standard that all GP practices should aim to achieve, especially in underserved communities.

Why Does This Matter?

A spokesperson for Midland Health commented on the implications of the study, saying: “The implications of this research are deeply concerning. Access to high-quality healthcare should not be a privilege. These findings highlight the urgent need for additional support in deprived areas, ensuring every resident has access to the healthcare they deserve. For some people, going private simply isn’t an option, meaning those who rely most on NHS services are left with limited access to high-quality medical care. We are calling on the government to address these disparities, as the current situation risks worsening health inequalities across the West Midlands. Improved investment and resources for these underperforming practices are crucial to ensure better outcomes and patient satisfaction while providing vital support for NHS staff working in challenging circumstances.”

Clarification Note: This blog is intended to provide an analysis of publicly available data to encourage discussion around healthcare services in the West Midlands. The methodology, which combined QOF scores, CQC ratings, and the National NHS survey, may not fully reflect the unique challenges faced by individual NHS General Practices.

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