A Haverhill GP surgery has been removed from special measures after receiving a ‘good’ rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The Haverhill Family Practice, in Camps Road, was placed in special measures for six months after a CQC inspection in January, when it was found to be failing in five core areas.

Inspectors identified concerns with regard to the leadership, effectiveness and safety of the practice.

As a result the practice was given an overall rating of “inadequate”.

The latest inspection, which took place in September, concluded the practice had addressed all areas of concern.

Inspectors found that since the original inspection, the practice had taken significant steps to improve leadership, with a focus on improving the quality and safety of its services to patients.

Dr Neville Selby, senior partner at the practice, said: “We’re absolutely delighted. There was a great deal of disappointment following the January inspection, but we rallied the troops to secure this grading.

“General practice is one of those professions that you can often feel like you are doing things well until someone from the outside comes along and says ‘this could be improved’ or ‘people are doing this more effectively’.

“The main thing the inspectors said was how we had improved across all areas.

“I’d like to thank all the support with have received, our staff, and our patients for their understanding during this time.”

The CQC said significant improvements had been made in the management of patients who were taking medications that required closer monitoring, and that staff felt supported by the management team and GPs.

The practice had also improved the management of infection prevention and control.

Professor Steve Field, chief inspector, welcomed the improvements in the quality of services at the practice.

He said: “It was disappointing that our inspection earlier this year highlighted concerns, particularly in relation to whether it was safe, effective and well-led.

“I am very pleased to see that since then, the practice has made significant progress, which has led to a much better service for patients resulting in a new rating of ‘good’ across all areas and a removal from ‘special measures’.”