A VILLAGE surgery has been praised by a watchdog for treating patients with “compassion, dignity and respect”.

Hilton House Surgery, in Swan Street, Sible Hedingham, has been rated as good by Care Quality Commission inspectors after a comprehensive inspection in May.

A previous inspection in January 2016 had rated the surgery as requires improvement.

The practice was praised by inspectors for implementing improvements to the way services were managed.

The report states there is an “open and transparent” approach to safety at the doctors and there was an effective system in place to report significant events.

Medicine management was said to be good and patients’ treatment was managed effectively.

Staff training and knowledge were also praised by inspectors.

The report states: “Staff were aware of current evidence based guidance.

“Staff had been trained to provide them with the skills and knowledge to deliver effective care and treatment.”

The healthcare watchdog said there was a “clear leadership structure” in place and steps had been implemented to improve patient satisfaction.

The report states: “Results from the national GP patient survey showed patients were treated with compassion, dignity and respect and were involved in their care and decisions about their treatment.

“Data had generally improved since July 2016 although there was improvement still required in relation to patient satisfaction over telephone access and the opening hours of the surgery.”

Telephone access and the doctor’s opening hours were two key areas of improvement stated by the Care Quality Commission.

A good rating was given in all of the key areas, except responsiveness, which requires improvement.

Hilton House surgery has around 3,400 patients registered on its books.

The surgery was unavailable for comment.