A TOWN centre GP practice has been praised as an "example" of great work after receiving top marks from inspectors.

Bolton General Practice has been given an overall 'outstanding' rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Inspectors have visited the Marsden Road surgery and praised its "motivated and inspired" staff and "innovative" approach to care.

Following the unannounced June inspection it was rated 'outstanding' for care and responsiveness and 'good' for safety, effectiveness and leadership.

CQC deputy chief inspector of general practice in the north, Alison Holbourn, said: "Bolton General Practice is an impressive service that was delivering high quality care across all of the areas that we look at on inspection. The feedback we received from people using their services was extremely positive. The practice also listened to the feedback people gave and used it to improve their services."

"The practice is extremely responsive to the needs of people using their services. They work closely with other organisations and the local community to plan services ensuring they meet people’s needs.

"All of the staff at this practice should be very proud of the service they are providing. Other providers should look to them as an example of how to provide great care."

The practice is part of SSP Health Primary Care Limited, which manges 26 GP practices around the North West, and is responsible for providing care to 5,255 patients.

The inspection found "innovative and proactive methods" to improve patient outcomes, such as employing a patient liaison officer, holding a weekly ‘conversation café’ and patients accessing free gym facilities at a neighbouring practice.

It was also praised for making improvements following patient feedback and offering multi-lingual literature, attending community events and working with local organisations such as the Befriending Refuges and Asylum Seekers (BRASS).

Practice Manager Jane Wallace said: "I am delighted the CQC has recognised the hard work of the team at surgery. We benefit hugely from being part of SSP Health and from their central team’s expert guidance, support and encouragement which helps us all to deliver the best care we can for our patients."

Noeleen Bailey, chief operating officer at SSP Health, added: "We are pleased that CQC has acknowledged the team work and cross-practice work we have pioneered in Bolton for the past eight years.

"The practice has robust support from a team of centralised clinical and managerial staff. This has been so important to allow the lead GP, Dr Jay Mylvaganam, with Jane, to really focus on patient services."