A MEDICAL practice branded ‘inadequate’ by a health watchdog last year has shaken off its failing status.

Rishton and Great Harwood Surgery was blasted in a critical report following an inspection on September 7 for failings which included its leadership and not taking appropriate action to safeguard vulnerable children.

The report also found that patients were ‘at risk of harm’ because systems and processes were not in place to keep them safe.

It was subsequently placed in special measures, but the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has now rated the practice in High Street, Rishton, as ‘good’ following a recent inspection.

The surgery delivers primary medical services to around 1,177 patients.

Inspectors said in a report patients were “consistently and strongly positive about access to appointments at the practice “

The report reads: “Results from the national GP patient survey showed patients were treated with compassion, dignity and respect and were involved in their care and decisions about their internal treatment.”

“The practice had improved and embedded its system to minimise risks to patient safety, although some further improvements around the documentation of recognised risks and thorough completion of mitigating actions was still required in some cases.

“Staff were aware of current evidence based guidance.

“Staff had been trained to provide them with the skills and knowledge to deliver effective care and treatment.

“We saw that there was improved managerial oversight of staff training.

"There were improved systems around recognising, recording and learning from significant events.

"Communication channels in the practice, both internally between clinicians and non-clinical staff, and externally with other health and social care providers had improved."

Following the inspection in May, the practice has subsequently been taken out of special measures.

Overall, the practice was rated ‘good’ for its safety, effectiveness, care and responsiveness, although inspectors said its leadership still ‘requires improvement’.

To improve, inspectors said the practice should implement actions to encourage the uptake of breast cancer screening, and ensure consultation notes written into patient records contain sufficient detail to accurately record what took place during an appointment.

It also said it must establish effective systems and processes to ensure good governance in accordance with the fundamental standards of care.

Rishton and Great Harwood Surgery were unavailable for comment.