Up to 200 'dangerous’ GP surgeries face closure - is yours one of them?

The chief inspector of family doctors says that dozens of GP practices that are failing to provide safe care will face potential closure.

16:30 30 September 2014

Chief inspector of family doctors Professor Steve Field has warned that up to 200 GP surgeries that constantly fail to provide safe care are facing closure or are being placed in special measures.

He said that those that are found guilty of serious failings would be shut down right away or the remaining will be given a year to improve or be closed.

He added that 160 to 200 failing surgeries will get extra support from NHS England to help them improve.

“Unfortunately there are some which have gone on for years failing and people haven’t drawn a line and said enough is enough,” he said.

“General Practice is the jewel in our crown and we’re undermined by a small percentage of GPs who are not providing the care our patients deserve.”

Dr Chaand Nagpaul, chairman of the BMA’s GP committee, said: “We know that a lot of GPs are working in an environment that is extremely difficult and challenging, in premises that are not fit for purpose, and yet they cannot find another place to work in because there are no funds to relocate them. It would not be right to criticise or blame them for factors outside their control.”

All 8,000 or so practices in England will face inspections from next month.

The news comes as Prime Minister David Cameron promised seven days a week GP access for patients by 2020.