Audley Health Centre Retains Outstanding Rating in Latest CQC Assessment

Audley Health Centre in Staffordshire has retained its outstanding overall rating following a September assessment by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), maintaining the rating it has held since 2015.

The GP practice provides services to approximately 10,516 people under a contract with NHS England. The latest assessment was conducted as part of CQC’s programme for reviewing services previously rated good or outstanding.

CQC rated the practice outstanding for effectiveness and responsiveness, while safety, caring and leadership were rated good.

The 2026 National GP Patient Survey showed that 90% of respondents rated their overall experience positively, compared with the national average of 77%.

Similarly, 94% of the 441 people who completed the Friends and Family Test reported a very good experience, highlighting the friendliness, professionalism and helpfulness of staff.

Patient access was another area of strength. According to CQC, 83% of respondents reported a positive experience when contacting the practice, above the national average of 73%.

Inspectors found that the practice offered same-day appointments throughout the day during their visit, regularly reviewed appointment capacity and provided Saturday appointments in partnership with other services.

The practice also supported people in accessing registration and appointment services through weekly sessions explaining how to use the NHS App and online services. CQC highlighted its inclusive approach, including arrangements for people experiencing vulnerability.

CQC found that staff had access to up-to-date clinical guidance and legislation, helping ensure care and treatment followed national recommendations and best practice.

The practice exceeded the World Health Organization’s 95% target across all five childhood immunisation indicators and performed above the England average for breast and bowel cancer screening.

Inspectors also reported that staff felt supported to raise professional and personal concerns, with confidence that issues would be listened to and addressed. Patients were treated with kindness, empathy and compassion, with their privacy and dignity respected.

The practice was also found to respond promptly to issues identified during the assessment and use learning event analysis to understand why problems occurred.

Andy Brand, CQC deputy director of Primary Care and Community Services in the Midlands, highlighted the practice’s clear strategy, strong patient feedback and inclusive approach to service delivery. He also recognised its achievement in maintaining an outstanding rating since 2015.

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