A VILLAGE GP surgery has been rated outstanding by healthcare watchdog the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Hindon Surgery is one of only 206 GP practices, of the 16,000 inspected so far, to have achieved this accolade.

The report highlighted the provision of a "one-stop surgery" to reduce the need for frequent visits.

It acknowledged Hindon’s work with carers and the bereaved and commended the practice for their work with local organisations and the community in planning how best to meet patients’ needs.

Senior partner Patrick Craig-McFeely said: "We are delighted to have received an ‘Outstanding’ rating from CQC for all six patients groups - including families with children, the vulnerable and the elderly - and for being recognised as caring, responsive to patient needs and for being well-led.

"The present GPs took over from a popular and respected GP in 2002 when patient support prevented the closure of the practice. We are pleased to have been rewarded with this rating and proud to add it to other awards we have received for quality improvement, preventative care and effectiveness.

"We thank our patients, our exceptional staff and our local colleagues for their sustained support. None of this would have been possible without all their help. Small family practices that offer same day access, quality care and continuity of care are becoming rare in the modern NHS. We feel that this ‘Outstanding’ rating shows that it can be done and we look forward to providing more of the same for many years to come."