A TOWN’S surgery is at last out of special measures after inspectors found it was up to scratch.

Burnham surgery was originally inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) 12 months ago, when it was found to be inadequate.

Now, following a CQC visit on January 31, the watchdog has now rated the surgery as good, and removed it from special measures.

Inspector, Professor Steve Field said in his report: “There had been recent changes in the GP partnership and locum GPs supported the two GP partners. There was evidence that the leadership and management structure of the practice had improved significantly since our last inspection.

“The practice had systems in place to keep all clinical staff up-to-date. Staff had the skills, knowledge, and experience to deliver effective care and treatment.

“Feedback from patients about their care was positive. Patients said they were treated with compassion, dignity, and respect and they were involved in decisions about their care and treatment.”

Professor Field noted the safety of the service still required improvement, but acknowledged the steps that had been taken since the previous inspection.

He said: “There were areas that needed to be improved further, for example, there was no consistent process to ensure that all changes to prescriptions were authorised by a clinician with reference to the patient records.”

Burnham mayor Ron Pratt welcomed the news.

He said: “After a very difficult time they have obviously worked very hard, and I am pleased that the examining body has recognised their efforts. It will now help set the way forward.”

Fellow town and district councillor Neil Pudney said the surgery was now on the road to recovery.

He said: “There have been improvements.

“We seem to be able to get appointments much quicker than before and that is very good.

“I was also able to ask for a particular doctor — if you have an ongoing condition you need to be seen by the same doctor.”

Mr Pudney said he hoped in the future the surgery would be able to secure full time doctors rather than relying on locums.

“It is a pity when you can’t get regular GPs who are taking employment at a particular surgery until the time comes when they want to retire or move on,” he added.