A BLACKBURN GP surgery that was placed in special measures after a number of concerns were raised a year ago has ‘drastically improved patient care’, inspectors said.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated The Family Practice in Blackburn as ‘inadequate’ following an inspection last July citing concerns about safe recruitment processes, insufficient leadership and the administration of vaccines.

But nearly a year later the surgery, based in the Barbara Castle health centre, has been rated ‘good’ in all areas.

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Alison Holbourn, deputy chief inspector of general practice said changes made had drastically improved patient care.

She said: “Since this inspection, the leadership structure has been simplified, and we have seen significant improvements in the level of care being provided.

“We now see a practice that is constantly monitoring and reviewing the needs of people using this service and making sure the services they provide are reflective of those needs.

“The improvements that the provider has made are impressive, and now they must prove that they are able to sustain them.”

Dr Issak Bhojani, GP principal at the practice, said they are delighted with the new rating and thankful to all the staff.

He said: “Being placed in special measures was obviously a major disappointment for us but with real determination from every single team member, and support from our patients, the Royal College of General Practitioners, Jolene Gregory and the Blackburn with Darwen CCG, this has allowed us to make the necessary improvements as quickly as possible.

“We are confident that our patients now have a practice which delivers effective, safe and good care and where they are treated with the utmost compassion, dignity and respect.

“The CQC has stated that they consider our improvements impressive.

“Our challenge now is to identify how we can improve even further and make this the best possible practice for local patients.”