Our response to CQC plans to introduce special measures scheme for GP practices

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has announced plans to introduce a new 'special measures' scheme for GP practices that will see those offering poor care being given deadlines to make improvements and facing closure if they fail.

The special measures scheme will be introduced from GP practices from October this year. This will coincide with the CQC starting to rate 8,000 NHS GP practices on the basis of whether they are outstanding, good, requires improvement or inadequate.

In response to the announcement, Dr Katherine Rake, Chief Executive of Healthwatch England, said:

“This is a really important move by the CQC which should help root out poor quality care.

“But given the huge pressure around access to GPs at the moment, where action is required and surgeries are closed down, local people must have assurance that their needs will continue to be met.”

Find out more

Find out more about the new special measures scheme. 

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