'Widespread shortfalls' found at health centre

The provider of the practice was suspended after serious issues were identified

A health centre in Kent has been rated inadequate and its provider suspended by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Sheerness Health Centre in Sheerness was inspected last November, following concerns about the culture and clinical arrangements of the practice.

Poor management of safety risks and medicines, alongside a failure to review and act upon patient test results in a timely manner, were among the key issues identified.

Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board said it was "working closely" with the health centre, with the CQC report adding it has arranged a caretaker provider to run GP services after provider Dr Sanjiv Patel was suspended.

Serena Coleman, CQC deputy director of operations in the south, said: "Sheerness Health Centre wasn't performing to the required standards to ensure local people were getting the service and treatment they deserve. We found widespread shortfalls in its overall management."

Inspectors also found that consent was not appropriately obtained or documented prior to administering vaccinations to some vulnerable people, and that vaccinations were not always given by authorised staff.

Ms Coleman added: "People reported difficulties contacting the practice on the telephone and using their website.

"Staff couldn't prioritise people according to the most urgent need because they didn't have access to the appropriate tools. The escalation processes in place to ensure people with the greatest need were seen first weren't clear or helpful."

The overall rating for the practice declined from "requires improvement".

Dr Patel managed general medical services for around 7,100 people.

A spokesperson for NHS Kent and Medway said it was "working closely" with the health centre to make improvements.

It added: "We are all committed to making sure patients receive the best care and are supporting the practice through a series of changes.

"CQC inspections are about making sure all patients are receiving consistent, high-quality services and identifying issues so improvements can be made."