A FAILING doctors' surgery in Ascot has turned itself around just six months after it was placed into special measures and slammed as inadequate by a healthcare watchdog last year.

The most recent inspection of Green Meadows surgery by the Care Quality Commission found its service was 'good' overall with inspectors stating the new management team had "fully embraced the need to change". 

The new rating comes after poor safety record and lack of effective leadership saw the practice placed into special measures in June 2015 but the surgery has now turned its fortunes around. 

Dr Andrew Fanning, senior partner at Green Meadows said: “We are delighted that at our re-inspection the CQC not only removed the surgery from ‘special measures’ but also rated the service we provide as ‘good’ in all areas.

"This is a huge achievement and reflects the hard work and commitment from all our staff over the last six months. The report confirms that we are now providing the high quality of service that our patients have come to expect of us. 

"We appreciate the support we received especially from NHS England as well as the advice provided by the Bracknell and Ascot Clinical Commissioning Group. In particular I would like to thank all our patients who have been supportive and understanding during the last six months."

A patient support group at the surgery had been invaluable in helping the partners understand where improvements were needed, Dr Fanning added, while he accepted "more will always need to be done".

The announced inspection took place on February 11 with the results published last Thursday [March 31].

In its report, the CQC stated: "The practice had a clear vision that had improvement of service quality and safety as its top priority. The practice fully embraced the need to change, high standards were promoted and there was good evidence of team working."

Improvements in patient outcomes and a better telephone system were noted as areas for the practice to work on. 

Dr William Tong, clinical chairman at the Bracknell and Ascot CCG, said: "I am really pleased that Green Meadows are now rated as good with the CQC.

"Through their hard work and dedication, the practice has made positive changes throughout the surgery to meet all the CQC standards that required improvement."