SERVICES at a Winsford medical practice are still deemed to be ‘good’ following an inspection.

Swanlow Medical Centre has successfully maintained this rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), following its latest inspection in November.

‘Good’ ratings were achieved in categories of effectiveness, care, responsiveness and leadership, although the centre’s safety still requires improvement.

In a report, published on January 15, inspector Professor Steve Field described one area at the Swanlow Lane centre as ‘outstanding’.

He wrote: “One of the GPs had worked closely with the local hospital and had just completed a 12-month pilot in a community heart failure clinic. They had worked to expand this to one clinic for each care community across the locality.

“This had significant benefits for the heart failure patients at this practice who could be treated locally, in a timely manner, adhering to the latest NICE quality standards for chronic heart failure. This also supported other clinicians to develop their cardiology skills to deliver improved care for all patients.”

However, he said the centre was in breach of certain regulations including ensuring that ‘specified information is available regarding each person employed’ and demonstrating ‘all staff have received training in fire safety and infection control suitable for their role’.