The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has welcomed improvements made by staff at a GP surgery in St Ives, which had previously been rated as inadequate.

In March, inspectors identified concerns regarding the leadership, effectiveness and safety at the Orchard Surgery, based in Constable Road.

As a result the practice was given an overall rating of ‘inadequate’ and placed into special measures.

However, following its latest inspection, which took place last month, inspectors concluded the practice had addressed all areas of concern and it has now been awarded an overall rating of ‘good’ across all five areas for being safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led.

Inspectors found that, since the original inspection, the practice had taken significant steps to improve leadership, with a focus on improving the quality and safety of its services to patients.

Among the improvements, inspectors noted that the practice had significantly improved the management of infection prevention and control, and the security of the dispensary had been reviewed and improvements made.

Professor Steve Field, the CQC’s chief inspector of general practice, said: “It was disappointing that our inspection earlier this year highlighted concerns, particularly in relation to whether it was safe, effective and well-led.

“I am very pleased to see that since then, the practice has made significant progress, which has led to a much better service for patients resulting in a new rating of good across all areas and a removal from special measures.

“During the latest inspection we found the provider had significantly strengthened their leadership and management and had taken a proactive team approach towards making and sustaining improvements in quality.

“The practice had ensured there was effective leadership capacity to deliver all improvements. A team consisting of GPs, nursing staff and non-clinical staff had been formed, met regularly and had delivered improvements.

“The practice now had a clear vision and strategy to deliver high quality care and promote good outcomes for patients. Practice staff were clear about the vision and their responsibilities in relation to it.

“The practice liaised effectively with support organisations and proactively supported vulnerable patient groups.”