I was outraged to read that the Sutton Medical Centre has been rated as “Inadequate” by the CQC and threatened with closure (Health practice given a damning assessment, April 9).

How could it rate its patient care on the responses of 30 people out of a possible 4,200?

This represents a mere 0.7 per cent of those who use the practice, which is not statistically reliable under any acceptable measure.

I have used the practice for more than 30 years and have seen it grow into the outstanding practice that it is today.

The receptionists, contrary to the perceived image of these people are kind, helpful and recognise their clients distress trying every way possible to comply with their requests.

The nurses are superb. Not only are they kind and empathetic, they are knowledgeable about every aspect of their patient’s conditions and give realistic advice and support where necessary.

I see the same doctor whenever possible. He too is kind, caring, as are the other doctors I have seen in emergency situations, and gives telephone consultations. His advice and referrals are carefully considered and followed up.

It seems to me that the report concentrated mainly on relatively trivial matters such as the lack of form filling, which in a busy practice is often limited by the time available.

Apart from certain items of equipment, which were probably absent due to financial constraints, patient care is always the priority and is never compromised.

Equally, no mention was given to the strong link between the practice and local pharmacies which make repeat prescriptions and prescribing of emergency medicines so much easier for patients.

This is what an outstanding surgery should be. My family and friends are envious of the care I receive.

MICHELE LANE
Via email