A MEDICAL practice has been rated as ‘good’ by CQC inspectors – but the service’s boss has been told that they need to be more responsive.

Hoyland Medical Practice, on High Croft, is responsible for providing treatment to around 12,780 registered patients across Barnsley.

The Care Quality Commission report states: “Hoyland Medical Practice is a training practice for doctors who are undergoing training to specialise in General Practice.

“At the time of the inspection there were two trainee GPs.

“The practice continues to be rated as good overall and for providing safe, effective, caring and well led services as this was the rating given at the last comprehensive inspection.

“However, as a result of the findings of this focused assessment we have now rated the responsive key question as requires improvement.

“During the assessment process, the provider highlighted the efforts they are making or are planning to make to improve the responsiveness of the service for their patient population.

“The effect of these efforts are not yet reflected in patient feedback.

“Patient feedback was that they could not always access care and treatment in a timely way.

“They were dissatisfied with the arrangement for getting through to the practice by phone, appointment times offered and their experience of making an appointment.

“However, they were satisfied with the appointments offered to them.”

The inspectors found no breaches of regulations, but said that the practice should produce a plan as to how they intend to respond to patient feedback – and how they can improve the experience of those using the service.

Data shows that the age profile of the practice population is broadly in line with the national averages and the ethnic make-up of the practice area is 0.5 per cent Asian, 98 per cent white, 0.4 per cent black, 0.8 per cent mixed, and 0.2 per cent other.

At the time of inspection, November 30, the practice consisted of three GP partners, four salaried GPs, three practice nurses, three advanced clinical practitioners including two advanced nurse practitioners and pharmacist, a health care assistant and phlebotomist.

The clinical team was supported by two practice managers, an administration manager and a team of administration and reception staff.