Most practices that get a poor rating from inspectors manage to improve later, according to a new analysis.

About 80% of practices survive their first poor inspection report and climb out of the “inadequate” rating, the Health Service Journal reports.

It reports an analysis showing that out of the first 151 practices rate inadequate, some 80 were rated “good” by inspectors on their second inspection.

Another 40 were rated as “requires improvement” – a better rating than inadequate.

The Care Quality Commission, which conducts the inspections, says that 52 practices have deregistered after a second inspection. Some 18 of these were subject to enforcement action.

General practice chief inspector Professor Steve Field said: “I am pleased that so many general practices have responded positively to their initial inspections by taking on board our concerns and making the necessary improvements to benefit their patients.

“This is a testament to the hard work and commitment of GPs, practice managers, nurses and other primary care staff to provide patients with the safe, high quality and compassionate care they deserve.

“Having recently completed our comprehensive inspection programme of general practices – the first of its kind – we look forward to reporting on exactly what they have done to improve their services later in the year so that others can learn from the very best.”