HEALTHCARE inspectors have taken the Priory Avenue Surgery out of special measures after the practice made "significant improvements".

The Caversham GP surgery was rated as 'inadequate' in January after the Care Quality Commission (CQC) found numerous breaches of safety regulations.

Today the government's health watchdog announced the practice had made marked progress and had been bumped up to 'requires improvement' after a follow-up inspection in July.

After spending six months in special measures and providing the CQC with regular updates the surgery, in Priory Avenue, satisfied inspectors they had taken on board their feedback.

Professor Steve Field, chief inspector of general practice, said: "It is clear that the Priory Avenue surgery has made significant improvements since our original inspection when we had serious concerns relating to the safe and effective delivery of services and the leadership of the practice.

"Under a new management team, and with the support of NHS England and the Royal College of GPs, the practice has now set out to provide an accessible, safe and clinically effective service, which will improve the experience and outcomes for its patients.

“In the circumstances I am delighted to announce that Priory Avenue will come out of special measures and I congratulate them on the progress that they have made so far."

Back in June Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust took over control of the surgery from previous providers Specialist Health Services.

Dr Geoff Payne, medical director, NHS England, said: "We understand that the rigour and process around regulation and inspections can be daunting for GP practices. Ensuring good quality services, which are safe, effective, well led and available to all is of great importance.

"We are pleased to see the commitment and hard work of the team at Priory Avenue Surgery being recognised and we commend them for their continued good work."

Although successes were noted inspectors maintained that work was still needed to ensure standards did not drop.

In regards to the practice's safety record inspectors still said they had concerns over the way recruitment, staffing levels and infection controls were dealt with.

Under the category of whether the service was caring or not a rating of 'good' was awarded.