A GP surgery in Folkestone that was rated 'inadequate' has been taken out of special measures following its latest inspection.

Guildhall Surgery had its mark upgraded to 'good' overall following a revisit by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

It comes after inspectors found a number of improvements had been made in the 10 months since their last visit.

In February, the practice received the lowest possible rating when the CQC found some staff 'had not received training in basic life support', some had 'not completed mandatory safeguarding training' and others had not had Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.

It also found there was 'a lack of governance systems' leading to some risks not being identified.

However the surgery has now been taken out of special measures as staff have "worked hard to put the improvements needed in place".

Neil Cox, CQC’s head of inspection, said: “At this inspection of Guildhall Surgery, we found significant and sustainable improvements have been put in place and were being embedded.

“There is still some work to be done, but, the practice has worked hard to put the improvements needed in place ..."

“At the inspection we found the practice had worked hard to make the necessary improvements to ensure patients received safe and effective care.

"Inspectors received feedback that was positive about staff providing good, personalised care and also understood and respected the personal, cultural, social and religious needs of patients

“There is still some work to be done, but, the practice has worked hard to put the improvements needed in place and I want to congratulate of the staff and the leadership at Guildhall Surgery for their hard work and dedication during this time.

"We look forward to returning at a later date to see what further improvements have taken place.”

While it has been rated 'good' overall, two grades higher than previously, the CQC rated it as "requires improvement" when answering the question "Are services well-led?"

However the CQC found the practice in Guildhall Street had improved their oversight of test results which are now being reviewed in a timely manner.

Safeguarding processes have been reviewed and updated to work more effectively and staff are trained to appropriate levels for their role.