Summerfield Urgent Care Centre in Birmingham has been rated as ‘Good’ across all key areas, as officially confirmed by the Care Quality Commission.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) undertook a focussed review of the services, during a visit at the Summerfield Urgent Care Centre at the end of November and assessed their services as ‘Good’ in: Safety, Effectiveness, and being Well-led.

This means that all services provided by HCRG Care Group which have been inspected by the CQC continue to hold either ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ ratings.

The service is provided in a purpose-built primary care centre which the provider shares with four GP Practices, community health teams and an independent Pharmacist.

The services are run by HCRG Care Group on behalf of the local authorities in each area. CQC Inspectors highlighted improved timescales for patients being seen and treated and that equipment was in good order: “The provider ensured that facilities and equipment were safe and that equipment was maintained according to manufacturers’ instructions.

“A total of 2,993 patients had attended the service during the month of July 2021 and, in total, 75.5% of patients who arrived at the service were seen within two hours.”

In addition, the service also successfully met their four hour target by 98.2% – it’s necessary to be above the national set stringently at 95%.

The report continued: “Further evidence provided following the inspection showed that during the month of November 2021, the service had met the 95% target of patients being seen within four hours. The service had also achieved the 95% target of patients being triaged (being assessed by a health professional) within 15 minutes of arrival. The average waiting time during November 2021 was five minutes.”

Sharron Nicklin, who manages the Summerfield Urgent Care Centre, in Birmingham, for HCRG Care Group, said: “We are proud to change people’s lives by transforming health and care, and this is a testament to the dedicated work that has been carried out during challenging times.

“We have made such a positive difference helping the community across Birmingham. Our teams work incredibly hard to provide high quality care to patients and their commitment has not wavered for a second throughout the COVID-19 pandemic – they have demonstrated such professionalism and resilience during the last couple of years. I am delighted that our health professionals have received this well-deserved recognition.”

Dr Peter Taylor, HCRG Care Group chief medical officer, added: “It was fantastic to read in the report how well-led, effective and safe our service is, and that the CQC report found no concerns. Well done to all our staff during these especially challenging times.”

The Summerfield Urgent Care Centre, in Heath Street, is open to Walk-in patients from 8am to 8pm daily, 365 days a year – including all Bank Holidays. In addition, it is located within a short walking distance of a local hospital with Accident and Emergency facilities.