A medical centre older than the NHS has been rated 'outstanding' in the Care Quality Commission (CQC)’s latest round of reports.
The Victoria Medical Centre, in Pimlico, offers GP services, and specialises in diagnostic and screening procedure, family planning services, surgical procedures, treatment of disease, and disorder or injury.
The practice is particularly proud of its excellent walk-in antenatal clinic, where it sees more than 350 pregnant patients a year.
The centre, in Upper Tachbrook Street, has also worked with a local professor to pilot the Atlas scheme - a programme that combines counselling and acupuncture to help improve the wellbeing of working men.
The service was provided to over 150 male patients, over an 18-month period, with 78% saying it improved their wellbeing. It was shortlisted for a British Medical Journal (BMJ) award.
Despite being around 100-years-old and one of the oldest practices in Westminster, it is based in a modern building and has a range of original artworks, loaned by the organisation Paintings in Hospitals. It also has a fun, well-stocked toy area with, among other items, a blackboard and chalk for children to play with, and a big fish tank in the waiting area.
Aziz Pandor, business operational practice manager at Victoria Medical Centre, said: “Victoria Medical Centre has always aimed to exceed the standard requirements, so it is reassuring to achieve an ‘outstanding’ rating from the Care Quality Commission, and we’re very proud of it.
“All the staff at the centre work hard to provide a first class service. We seek out the most talented people, and we’re also very proactive about educating and training our workforce to make sure they kept fully skilled and up to date with the best techniques in patients services.”
Ruth O’Hare, chairwoman of Central London Clinical Care Group, said: “It is fantastic to see Victoria Medical Centre rated outstanding by the CQC, and it is a testament to the excellent skills and hard work of all the staff who played a part in making it happen.”
