DOCTORS have turned around a struggling Eldene GPs surgery.

Last year, Eldene Surgery was told by watchdog the Care Quality Commission that it needed to improve.

Inspectors issued two warning notices after fears that staff had not received the correct training, confidential information was not kept securely and that practice leaders lacked experience.Overall, the practice was rated Requires Improvement by the CQC.

Now, managers are celebrating after a new inspection saw the surgery’s rating upgraded to Good.

Inspectors praised improvements made since their last visit in 2017. Professor Steve Field, CQC chief inspector, said: “Comment cards received and patients spoken with, reflected that staff involved and treated patients with compassion, kindness, dignity and respect.

“The practice routinely reviewed the effectiveness and appropriateness of the care it provided. It ensured that care and treatment was delivered according to evidence-based guidelines.”

The surgery scored Good ratings in all of the CQC categories, including the quality of the surgery’s leadership. Last year, the surgery had been handed an inadequate rating for the category.

Since then, the practice has entered into a partnership with Integrated Medical Holdings. Two new GPs have joined the practice, offering managerial support.

In their report, inspectors said of Eldene Surgery's leadership: “The practice had a clear vision and credible strategy to deliver high quality, sustainable care. Leaders had the experience, capability and integrity to deliver the practice strategy and address risks to it.”

In a statement posted on the surgery's website, the partners said they were very pleased with the latest rating.

"We would like to thank all of our patients for bearing with us whilst we made the necessary improvements to services and an especially big thank you to those patients who have taken the time to leave so many positive and encouraging comments and reviews. We really do appreciate your input," they said.

"The partners and staff would also like to acknowledge the assistance received from the Swindon Clinical Commissioning Group over the past twelve months."

Norma Thompson, chairman of the Eldene Surgery patient participation group, said: "The report was very good. They've done very well. We're proud that we've got a good report."