SHIPSTON Medical Centre has been rated 'outstanding' by health watchdogs following an inspection.

The Care Quality Commission visited the centre on March 1 as part of its routine announced visits.

The inspection concluded in a report on May 11 that the medical centre's services were 'safe, effective, caring, responsive to people's needs, and well-led'.

The report said feed-back from patients was that they received excellent care from GPs and the nurses and that practice staff were very caring, always helpful and that they went out of their way to be supportive.

Senior partner, Dr Jane Gilder said: "We couldn't be more delighted with this result, recognising us as one of the four per cent of practices nationally who are outstanding.

"It is a huge compliment to the whole practice team who work hard for our patients and the community we serve."

Shipston Medical Centre cares for 11,300 patients in the town and surrounding villages. The doctors also provide medical cover for the patients at Shipston's Ellen Badger hospital and minor injuries unit.

As well as 10 doctors, the centre employs eight clinical staff, 11 in the dispensary and 16 support staff.