Four surgeries in Kent have suspended their GP services following ‘serious concerns’ by recent CQC inspections.
Joydens Wood Medical Centre in Bexley and Elmdene Surgery in Greenhithe has been shut down after CQC inspectors visited last week.
The two branch surgeries of Elmdene – Bean Surgery and Bennett Way Surgery – are also closed so commissioners have directed patients to book appointments at surrounding practices and the local minor injuries unit in Gravesend.
CQC inspectors visited 2,700-patient Joydens Wood Medical Centre, on 19 November and 8,900-patient Elmdene Surgery and took enforcement action after concerns about standards of care were raised.
Both surgery websites state they are ‘unable’ to provide clinical services until further notice and patients.
The statement said: ‘Joydens Wood Medical Centre and Elmdene Surgery (along with branch surgeries – Bean Surgery and Bennett Way Surgery) are unable to provide clinical services until further notice.
‘This follows action by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to allow the practices to undertake urgent work to ensure they are meeting the required standards of patient care.
‘Alternative arrangements are being made for patients registered at these two surgeries to receive GP services elsewhere locally. A letter with more details is being sent to all patients.’
Both practices are run by former Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley CCG chair Dr Bhaskar Jyoti Bora.
CQC head of inspection for general practice Janet Ortega said: ‘As a result of serious concerns found by inspectors, the CQC has taken urgent enforcement action to protect patients who use both Elmdene Surgery in London Road, Greenhithe and Joydens Wood Medical Centre in Summerhouse Drive, Bexley in Kent. Both surgeries are the responsibility of the registered provider Dr Bhaskar Jyoti Bora.
‘CQC inspectors visited Joydens Wood Medical Centre on 19 November 2019 and Elmdene Surgery on 19 and 20 November 2019 after concerns were raised about the standards of care provided to patients. We will publish our findings in due course.
‘As the provider has the right to appeal the action that we have taken, it would be inappropriate for CQC to comment further.
‘In the meantime, CQC will continue to work closely with NHS England, Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley CCG and other local stakeholders.’
Elsewhere, a small practice in Plymouth has closed down for good following a temporary suspension by the CQC.
