HEALTHCARE inspectors have recommended a Reading GP surgery remains in special measures after the practice failed to show adequate signs of improvement.

The Melrose Surgery in London Road has once again been rated as 'inadequate', an assessment that coincides with the owner cancelling his registration and the way being cleared for a new provider to take over.

A team of inspectors from the Care Quality Commission visited the surgery in September and noted several of staff were absent on the day of inspection.

They also found that risks to patients were often not identified, assessed or well managed and that, although medical equipment and drugs were available, emergencies were not appropriately planned for.

The previous owner Dr FAB Williams has since left the practice.

Ruth Rankine, deputy chief inspector of general practice in the CQC's South region said: "It is important that the people who were registered with Melrose Surgery could rely on getting the high quality care which everyone is entitled to receive from their GP.

"Although the patients we met told us they were treated well and with dignity and respect, we also found that care and treatment was not always delivered in line with best practice.

"We know that Dr Williams has cancelled his registration with CQC and patients have been transferred to a neighbouring GP."

Inspectors noted that, although patients were treated with compassion, dignity and respect, information about services was not readily available.

A statement on the practice's website said: "Dr FAB Williams' practice and Dr Dean and Dr Ahmed's practice were both based at Melrose Surgery.

"Dr Williams was a single-handed GP and following a period of ill health he took the difficult decision to retire from his practice.

"It was important that the patients on his list did not go without access to GP medical care.

"Given the location and the size of our practice, Dr Dean and Dr Ahmed have been able to take on Dr Williams' patients, ensuring that patients can continue to receive the care they need with minimal inconvenience.

"The CQC did not close Dr Williams' practice. The publication of the CQC report coincided with a period of ill health for Dr Williams and, as he ran a single-handed GP practice, he decided to retire, so that long-term arrangements could be put in place to maintain continuity for patients."