A GP surgery has received a welcome boost with an improved rating in a CQC report after it was previously put into special measures.

The Dipple Surgery, in Wickford Avenue, Wickford, was put into special measures for six months in July 2016 after inspectors found the surgery let an unqualified nurse administer vaccines to children.

In the latest inspection, which took place in July, the surgery was graded an overall requires improvement. It earned a good rating in the areas of providing safe services, effectiveness and being well-led.

However, the surgery still needs to improve on caring and responsiveness.

A CQC inspector said: “ We saw a strong focus on continuous learning at the practice and improvement at all levels. This was seen with the new processes and procedures put into place by leadership to improve safety and patient outcomes seen as concerns at previous inspections.

“Staff members knew how to raise concerns, and report safety incidents.

“Safety information was recorded appropriately and lessons have been learned.

Lessons learned from incidents were shared with all staff members.

“Staff assessed patients’ treatment and care needs and delivered care in line with current evidence based guidance.”

Inspectors said the surgery still needed to provide better storage and handling for medications.

The report added: “Action must be taken to reinforce arrangements to store medicines at the recommended room temperature, and action must be taken when temperatures fall or rise beyond recommended levels.

“It also needs to improve the identification of carers, to allow staff to consider people’s caring responsibilities when arranging appointments or treatment.”

In the last inspection, which took place in June, the practice was told it needed to improve in five key areas- namely how well-led, effective, safe, caring and responsive it was.

Inspectors found there were no records to show infection control procedures had been adhered to, and there were not enough staff to enable to surgery to run smoothly.

The report also found the nursing staff were unable to show they had the skills, knowledge and experience to deliver effective care and treatment.