THE Dipple Surgery in Wickford Avenue, Basildon, has been taken out of special measures following “significant improvements” in its levels of care, according to a latest report from the Care Quality Commission.

Dr Tony Nasah was graded good in safety, effectiveness and leadership, but was ordered to improve levels of care and responsiveness to patients.

Chief inspector Steve Field said: “Last year the practice was rated inadequate for providing safe, effective and well-led services, and requires improvement for providing caring and responsive services.

“At this inspection we also looked at whether the practice had complied with the warning notice.

“We found that the improvements had been actioned.

“I am taking this service out of special measures.

“This recognises the significant improvements made to the quality of care provided by this service.”

Bunty Murtagh, a member of the Dipple’s patient participation group, said: “I’m not surprised it has come out of special measures.

“A lot of good work has gone on there.

“I’m really pleased for them.”

The Hollies Surgery, in Rectory Road, Hadleigh, was also rated as requires improvement.

However, Dr Field acknowledged “improvements had been made” since an inspector’s last visit.

Last year, the GP practice was issued a warning notice when the health watchdog discovered a lack of systems to monitor the safety and welfare of patients – particularly stroke victims.

Then, they also found staff were acting in a clinical role without relevant risk assessments or being Disclosure Barring Service checked.

But following the Commission’s March inspection inspectors said: “There were procedures in place for monitoring and managing risks to patient and staff safety.

“The practice has mitigated previous risks by ensuring all clinical staff members had received a Disclosure and Barring Service DBS check.”

The Echo has contacted both practices for comment, but had not received a response by the time the paper went to press.