A Whitehaven surgery has received a positive report from a healthcare watchdog.

Whitehaven Medical Centre, on Catherine Street, was rated as 'good' – the second highest grading available – in all five service categories in which it was inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC); safety, effectiveness, caring, response to needs, and leadership.

The centre, managed by Dr Thomas Ickes in the former magistrates court building, has 4,396 patients on its books, including those transferred last August from the closed Catherine Street Surgery.

The chief inspector, Professor Steve Field, praised the practice's "commitment to providing patients with good quality, safe care".

He reported: "There was an open and transparent approach to safety, and the practice had a system for reporting and recording significant events, and learning from them.

"Risks to patients and staff were assessed and well managed, and effective governance arrangements were in place.

"All staff were actively engaged in monitoring and improving quality and patient outcomes.

"Staff assessed patients' needs and delivered care and treatment in line with current evidence-based guidance. They had the skills, knowledge and experience to deliver effective care and treatment."

Inspectors gathered information from observing practices, meeting staff and reviewing patient comment cards. They also spoke to five patients face-to-face during the visit.

"Patients said they were treated with dignity and respect and that they were involved in decisions about their treatment," added Prof Field. "Information about services and how to complain was available and easy to understand.

"The practice had good facilities and was well equipped to treat patients and meet their needs. Staff were very committed to supporting patients to live healthier lives through a targeted and proactive approach to health promotion.

"A culture has been created which encouraged and sustained learning and development at all levels. Staff felt supported and respected, but it was evident that the new team was still undergoing a period of adjustment following the recent merger."

Some areas of "outstanding" practice were identified by the CQC, including the medical centre's system for recording patient consultations, and patient satisfaction with the service.

However, it has been urged to make improvements in the frequency of its audits and the preparation of a development plan. It should also consider providing a loop system for patients with a hearing impairment, added the inspector.

The CQC inspection was carried out in November but only made public this week.