WHITEHAVEN’S Mansion House Surgery has received a “good’’ bill of health from a top watchdog.

The practice, on Irish Street which has 6,424 patients, was inspected by the Care Quality Commission who rated it across a range of areas.

Following an inspection in August, the report said the surgery was “good” in providing safe, well-led, caring, and responsive services.

However, inspectors said the surgery’s services “required improvement’’ to be more effective.

The report states the majority of patients said they were treated well and involved in making decisions about their care and treatment. The practice was “proactive in identifying and supporting carers’’.

Patient feedback was good, saying they found it easy to make an appointment to see a GP. The practice also had a clear vision for improving the service and promoting good patient outcomes.

Staff were clear about their roles and responsibilities and felt well-supported and valued. There was, the report said, an “open and transparent culture across all staff groups’’.

The inspectors said the surgery showed “outstanding’’ practice in developing and piloting a community nursing scheme, as well as employing a care coordinator to ensure appropriate care and support for frail and elderly patients, including those suffering from dementia. However, the report said improvements could be made by developing a business plan and regular staff appraisals.

Wendy McBain, practice manager at Mansion House Surgery, said: “The practice is delighted that the dedication and support Mansion House staff provide to the surgery and it’s patients has been recognised by the CQC – the team always strive to do their best often putting patients before themselves.”