Failing GP practices face closure under new CQC plans

Around 8,000 GP practices in England will be scrutinised under a new Care Quality Commission inspection programme that will shut down any failing surgeries unless they improve.

Surgeries given the bottom rating of "inadequate" will get six months to resolve problems, and could then face outside intervention through special measures or even closure.

But doctors' leaders say closing practices will not improve the situation for patients.

Branwyn Jeffreys reports.