Carlisle's biggest GP practice has turned itself around after being criticised by inspectors.

The Carlisle Healthcare super surgery has now seen its rating upped to 'good' - but must still do more to improve telephone access and availability of appointments.

The practice - which represents more than 36,000 patients across five sites in the city - was formed two years ago when the St Paul's, Brunswick House and North Carlisle surgeries merged.

But the merger was hit by problems, including high-profile complaints about difficulties getting through on the phones and accessing appointments.

Earlier this year the Care Quality Commission (CQC) carried out an inspection, and rated it as requiring improvement.

They set out several areas where attention was most needed.

Now, after a recent follow up visit, the watchdog has upped the super surgery's overall rating to good.

However inspectors say that more still needs to be done to improve telephone access and booking appointments.

GP Andrew Edgar, a partner at Carlisle Healthcare, said they are delighted to be ending the year having achieved a good rating.

But stressed that they are still committed to making further improvements.

"We are aware that we need to continue to make improvements to telephone access and booking appointments," he said.

"A new practice website has been launched this winter, giving patients the ability to manage their own health needs without the need to call or visit the surgery in person.

"They can now request a sick note, order their repeat prescriptions, ask the practice general medical questions and also register for patient access.

"We also plan to gather patient feedback to ensure these improvements are effective."

Dr Edgar is encouraging patients to take part in the Friends and Family test by completing a survey about their experiences.

"This helps us identify what things are working well, as well as what can be improved and how," he explained.

"We are looking at ways to increase communication with our patients, therefore in addition to having regular newsletters; patients can now follow Carlisle Healthcare on Twitter."

Some patients have previously criticised the decision to merge the three practices, blaming it for the access issues.

But GPs behind the super surgery say that, had they not gone ahead with the controversial move, the North Carlisle practice was in danger of closing, leaving thousands of patients in Carlisle without a GP.