TWO GP surgeries in the borough are celebrating after they achieved a 100 per cent rating in their healthcare good practice.

Bowery Medical Centre, on Elephant Lane, Thatto Heath and Newton Medical Centre on Belvedere Road have attained the top score in the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QoF) results.

QoF is a voluntary annual reward and incentive scheme for all GP surgeries in England, with financial rewards linked to achievement of good practice in a range of measures.

The score gives an indication of the overall achievement of the surgery through a points system and high-achieving practices can gain more financial resources as a reward for this from the NHS.

In 2017-18, 12 per cent of practices across England hit the 100 per cent score.

The figure is calculated from a series of measures, including how practices deal with clinical issues, such as kidney disease and heart failure; targets for cervical screening and contraception and indicators for public health, including reducing obesity and managing blood pressure in patients.

Out of 29 practices across the North West run by SSP Health, nine achieved a 100 per cent QoF rating and four more attained more than 99%, including Newton Community Practice, at Newton Community Hospital, Bradlegh Road.

Dr Sanjay Pitalia, GP and director of SSP Health, said: “Congratulations to our colleagues in St Helens for hitting 100 per cent in the latest QoF ratings, including very low exceptions.

"It shows what great care our patients there are receiving.

“It is also absolutely brilliant that our practices generally have achieved such outstanding results. They reflect the hard work of all our staff throughout the year.”