Special measures announced for failing GP practices

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has unveiled a new system of special measures for failing GP practices to clamp down on doctors providing inadequate care.

To be introduced from October this year, the new regulations will see practices that provide inadequate care given deadlines for improvement or face closure. This will bring the GP sector in line with other specialisms overseen by the CQC.

Initially, the CQC will rate 8,000 NHS GP practices on the basis of whether they are outstanding, good, requiring improvement or inadequate, with the special measures regime to be developed alongside industry bodies before being piloted in partnership with NHS England.

Practices will only be closed if they demonstrate significant problems over an extended period, with little prospect of improvement.

Professor Steve Field, chief inspector of general practice, said: "When health and care organisations fail the people to whom they provide care, it's important that failure is identified quickly and the action is to ensure services for people improve."

The Royal College of GPs responded to the announcement by offering a reminder that some practices struggle due to factors beyond their control – such as a lack of funding or manpower – and that this should be taken into account.