A GP surgery that was rated ‘inadequate’ by a health watchdog is hoping to impress inspectors when they revisit the practice so restrictions that were placed on the service can be lifted.

Unity Health, which runs Kimberlow Hill surgery in Heslington and Wenlock Terrace off Fulford Road, was put in special measures by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following a visit in May.

Following the inspection, the practice was told it must not register any new patients without written permission from the CQC.

City of York Council’s health, housing and adult social care policy and scrutiny committee is due to hear an update on improvement work at the surgery at a meeting on Tuesday.

A report produced ahead of the meeting describes progress being made at the practice - including plans to close the Wenlock Terrace surgery for a week for refurbishment and plans to recruit new doctors and nurses. The report also says the practice is expecting CQC inspectors to pay another visit in the middle of September, when managers hope they will be told they have complied with requirements and can start registering new patients again.

Wenlock Terrace surgery is to undergo a revamp from September 10 to 17 including new flooring and redecoration work, with no clinical appointments available during that week - but the reception desk will remain open.

Patients will be able to make appointments at Kimberlow Hill Surgery while the refurbuishment work takes place at Wenlock Terrace.

And the report adds that a patient participation group has been re-established and met for the first time on September 1 to make recommendations for improvements in the service. A report to the scrutiny committee from the practice says: “Top of the agenda will be working together with patients on how we further improve access in the coming months when we predict an increase in the demand for our services.”

It also says two more call handlers were recruited at the end of August, meaning four staff are available to answer calls at peak times.

Managing partner Louise Johnston said: “We’ve been working flat out over the summer to address the issues raised by the CQC and look forward to sharing what we’ve achieved with the scrutiny committee. The inspectors are due to re-visit us later this month when we are confident that they will recognise the progress we’ve made and lift the conditions imposed on us back in July.”