09-08-2025
Praise for Bolton GP surgery for its 'kindness and compassion'
A GP surgery in Bolton which treats patients with " kindness and compassion" has been given a positive rating by the health watchdog.
Al-Fal Medical Group has been awarded a 'Good' rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
The surgery, which is based at Pikes Lane Medical Centre in Deane, underwent its first CQC assessment in April this year.
Now, the health watchdog has revealed the positive rating in a report released on July 28.
It said about the deprivation of the area that the surgery serves, being in the lowest decile for deprivation - meaning it is of the highest deprivation.
It adds: "Al-Fal Medical Group - Pikes Lane Medical Centre had a good learning culture and people could raise concerns. Management investigated incidents thoroughly. People were protected and kept safe.
"Staff understood and managed risks. The facilities and equipment met the needs of people, were clean and well-maintained and any risks mitigated.
"There were enough staff with the right skills, qualifications and experience. Managers made sure staff received training and regular appraisals to maintain high-quality care. Staff managed medicines well and involved people in planning any changes.
"People using (the centre) were involved in assessments of their needs. Staff reviewed assessments taking account of people's communication, personal and health needs. Care was based on latest evidence and good practice."
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It adds: "People were treated with kindness and compassion. Staff protected their privacy and dignity. They treated them as individuals and supported their preferences.
"People had choice in their care and treatment. The service supported staff wellbeing.
"People were involved in decisions about their care. The service provided information people could understand. People knew how to give feedback and were confident the service took it seriously and acted on it.
"Leaders and staff had a shared vision and culture based on listening, learning and trust. Leaders were visible, knowledgeable and supportive, helping staff develop in their roles.
"Staff felt supported to give feedback and were treated equally, free from bullying or harassment."
It added that service users were "positive about the quality of their care and treatment".
Practice manager, Athaul Goni, said: "We are quite proud, it was brilliant.
"This was our first CQC, I think we were quite thrilled. A lot of our staff were quite new at the time, only being a year into the job and picking things up.
"But they were happy with how our staff were safeguarding and taking onboard new protocols."
