A DOCTORS healthcare provider is celebrating after its latest inspection.

SSP Health's Tyldesley Health Centre on Poplar Street, in Tyldesley, and its sister branch surgery, Nelson Street Surgery, in Atherton, were marked as "good" overall by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The Tyldesley practice was also ranged as "outstanding" in its care for “people whose circumstances may make them vulnerable".

The practice helps many homeless people and substance misuse patients, including ex-offenders.

As well as their health needs being looked after, the practice works with other agencies to support these patients and make sure their needs are met.

Inspectors also praised the practice for giving out blankets, gloves, hats, mugs and temperature monitors to vulnerable patients last winter.

Both surgeries were taken over by SSP Health last August and the CQC has not identified any areas for improvement after the change in management.

The report said: "The practice provided care in a way that kept patients safe and protected them from avoidable harm.

"Patients received effective care and treatment that met their needs.

"Staff dealt with patients with kindness and respect and involved them in decisions about their care.

"The practice organised and delivered services to meet patients’ needs. Patients could access care and treatment in a timely way.

"The way the practice was led and managed promoted the delivery of high-quality, person-centre care."

Poplar Street Surgery and Nelson Street Surgery Practice Manager Simon Carr thanked staff for working hard since the change of management.

He said: “I am extremely proud that the CQC has recognised that our patients are receiving excellent care at our surgeries.

"It is hard work to ensure all areas of our service are performing well – but these inspection findings prove it is paying off.

“We are especially pleased that the inspectors have acknowledged the work we do with homeless people and patients who come to us showing signs of substance misuse.

“We try to help them get the support they need in other areas of their lives as well as tackling their health issues.”