A GP practice is celebrating after being given the highest possible rating by inspectors.

Quayside Medical Practice in Newhaven was found to be outstanding overall following a visit from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) earlier this year.

Inspectors found it was outstanding for being caring, responsive to people’s needs and well led, and good for being effective and safe.

Inspectors said management had the experience, capacity and capability to run the practice, and prioritised safe, high quality and person-centred care.

Patients were able to make appointments for when they needed them and free transport was also available.

The practice in Chapel Street was a part of the golden ticket for dementia programme, which makes sure carers had a point of contact for rapid support in challenging times.

Staff were courteous, helpful and treated patients with dignity and respect and patients felt listened to and supported.

CQC deputy chief inspector of general practice in the south, Ruth Rankine said: “IIt is clear Quayside Medical Practice is providing an excellent service and is a real asset to the people living in this part of East Sussex

“Feedback from patients was excellent and staff made every effort to fully involve people in decisions about their care and treatment.

“Staff demonstrated a comprehensive approach in managing the differing needs of their patients, proactively gathering feedback, and reflected these needs when planning and delivering services.

“There was a strong desire to learn at the practice, staff were engaged and committed to improving quality of care by learning from every opportunity and this was underpinned by their clear vision and strategy for the practice.

“This is a great example of what outstanding care looks like.”

Quayside has higher rates of poverty than surrounding parts of the county, more people with mental health problems and more people with long-term conditions such as diabetes.

The inspectors cited innovative methods to improve patient health and address local health needs, including working with local nursing home staff so they recognise and respond quickly when a resident’s condition deteriorates.

This has seen A&E admissions cut by 13 per cent and unplanned admissions to hospital drop by a fifth.

Quayside practice business manager Karen Ford said: “We are very pleased that the CQC has recognised the hard work and commitment of everybody at the practice and especially that the feedback from our patients was so positive.”