Halstead's doctors’ surgery has been highly rated by the healthcare watchdog.

Inspectors from the Care Quality Commission found the Elizabeth Courtauld GP Surgery, in Factory Lane West, Halstead, to be “good” in all the criteria it inspects against.

It also found it to be “good” in all the specialisms - including care for older people, people with long term conditions, and vulnerable people.

Inspectors noted there were some examples of “outstanding” care being provided by the surgery, which has seven GP partners as well as two salaried GPs, two regular locum GPs, and two trainee GPs looking after 16,000 patients.

The report reads: “Data showed patient outcomes were above average in most cases and/or comparable with those in their local area.

Patients told us they were treated with compassion, dignity and respect and involved with their care and treatment.

“We also saw that staff treated patients with kindness and respect, and maintained their confidentiality within the reception area.

“This was achieved by asking patients to queue and not approach the reception desk until they were called for ward by the receptionists.

“Patient reviews about the practice, on the NHS choices website, were positive in regards to the caring aspects of patient care.

“There was a clear leadership structure and staff told us they felt supported both by management and the GPs.

“The practice had a number of policies and procedures t o govern activities at the practice.”

The report praised the “proactive, personalised care” that was provided and the constant reviewing and improving of the surgery.

The surgery was found to be above the national average for the number of people who thought the receptionists were helpful, appointment availability and getting seen within 15 minutes of the appointment time.

However, the report found that is was below the national average for how easy it was to reach the surgery on the phone and the number of people who got to see their preferred GP.

The inspection was unannounced and took place in October, with the report being published last Thursday.

Dr John Markham, senior partner, said: “The Partners are pleased that the CQC have recognised the hard work put in by clinical and administrative staff at the Surgery.

"We strive to give Halstead the best medical care possible and this has been acknowledged by the inspectors."