STAFF at Highbridge Medical Centre are celebrating after they received a 'good' rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The medical centre was placed in special measures last year after receiving two ‘inadequate’ ratings in 2015 and 2016 under a previous provider but it has made improvements since it was taken over by new provider, Symphony Healthcare Services (SHS) in April.

Inspectors visited the centre in October and in their report, published on November 1, they rated the centre as 'good' in all five areas.

The report states staff have made improvements to 'infection prevention and control measures' and says concerns around fire safety management and staff training have been rectified.

Dr Harvey Sampson, associate medical director and clinical lead at Highbridge Medical Centre praised the practice team for their positive approach and dedication.

“I am thrilled that we have been able to achieve a ‘good’ rating in all five areas of our CQC inspection, this really is a remarkable achievement in less than one year, from the practice being rated ‘inadequate’ and at risk of closure.

"The team here at Highbridge, have been fantastic in their continuing dedication and willingness to help us to develop better ways of delivering patient care and adapt to the changes required.

"Since integrating with Symphony Healthcare Services, we have been able to benefit from the support of a wider, experienced team who have worked closely with our local practice team to develop and deliver the comprehensive action plan required.

"We would also like to thank the community, our patients and our Patient Participation Group for their ongoing patience and support whilst we have been making changes and we will continue to develop and sustain services at the practice.”

The practice has been going from strength to strength over the last few months with patients benefitting from a number of extended services, including the re-opening of the patient list and access to the minor operations service and joint injections in April.

In addition, the practice welcomed more than 150 new patients in July after extending the Warfarin monitoring service due to the facility being scrapped at Burnham and Berrow Medical Centre.

Dr Berge Balian, medical director of SHS, said he is 'delighted' the centre's improvements have been recognised.

"Since integrating, we have worked closely together with NHS England, Somerset CCG and the CQC to support our Highbridge team to make some significant changes to the way that the practice is managed and services are delivered to our patients.

"We are receiving increasingly frequent compliments from patients at Highbridge who have noticed the improvements we have made to their practice.

"We are absolutely committed to supporting and strengthening NHS primary care services across our practices and we are very proud of the progress made by our Highbridge team."