STAFF and partners of a West Devon doctor's surgery are celebrating this week after receiving a positive report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Yelverton Surgery, a GP practice for people living in and around Yelverton, Princetown and outlying areas, received a 'good' rating in all areas.

The surgery provides two premises — one on Westella Road, Yelverton, and the other is a sub branch called Princetown Village Centre Surgery.

CQC inspectors carried out an inspection of both premises and found the practice to be good for providing well-led, effective, caring and responsive services. The inspectors added that the surgery and sub branch were 'good' for providing services for each of the six different population groups.

At the time of inspection there were approximately 7,150 patients registered at the service. Inspectors spoke with ten patients and read around 40 comment cards which said they found it easy to make an appointment with a named GP and that there was a continuity of care with urgent appointments available the same day.

Patients also remarked to inspectors at how well the staff communicated with them and praised their caring, professional attitudes. They said how satisfied they were with the facilities at the practice and commented on the building always being clean and tidy.

Inspectors said they found 'outstanding' practice shown by the surgery, which included the high standard of bereavement support provided to the families of patients and the high standards of palliative care provided to the patients.

Professor Steve Field, chief inspector of general practice, said: 'There was a clear leadership structure and staff felt supported by management. The practice proactively sought feedback from staff and patients, which it acted on.

'There were examples of outstanding practice at Yelverton Surgery. However, there were areas of practice where the provider needs to make improvements. These included updating staff training records to ensure they matched the training which had been received.'

Sarah Giles, deputy practice manager, said on behalf of the partners at Yelverton Surgery: 'We were proud to receive our CQC report which reflects our determination to deliver a high standard of care for our practice population.

'We will strive to continue to provide this high level of care within an ever challenging NHS.'