Great Bentley Surgery has been praised as “good” by inspectors, with patients also rating it higher than average.

The Care Quality Commission has given the ‘good’ rating across many categories including surgery services being safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led for its 8,500 patients.

Services were also found to be ‘good’ for older people, those with long-term conditions, families and children, working age people, the vulnerable and those with mental health conditions.

A National GP surgery, the CQC also noted in their report, also reported higher than national average figures for people getting through to the surgery by telephone, getting an appointment, their overall experience of the practice and recommending it.

Patients also praised the surgery for its standards of care and the friendliness of staff.

The CQC also highlighted as ‘outstanding’ a scheme where the practice donates to a community car scheme to help Little Clacton and Weeley patients get to the surgery.

Great Bentley Surgery has four GP partners, a salaried GP; plus a nursing team of a nurse practitioner, three practice nurses and three healthcare assistants. Recently, the partners used their own funds to recruit a part-time GP to help it cope with increased demand.

Practice manager Richard Miller said the staff were “incredibly proud” to earn their ‘good’ rating.

“This was truly a team effort and every single member of staff can take personal pride in being part of this successful outcome. I think the vast majority of our patients recognise this and I would like to thank them too for the wonderful support they give us,” he said.