GP practices in Dudley and Walsall placed into special measures

At Dr Mahbub's Surgery, the watchdog found "multiple" fit notes left uncollected

Two GP practices have been placed in special measures, after significant concerns were found.

Bath Street Medical Centre in Sedgley, Dudley and Dr Mahbub's Surgery in Walsall, were rated as inadequate by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Bath Street did not have an effective system to ensure abnormal test results were actioned in a timely way, inspectors said.

The surgeries have been contacted for comment.

The watchdog said the Black Country Integrated Care Board, which commissions GP services across the West Midlands, has arranged a caretaker provider to run GP services from both practices.

It added it inspected both surgeries run by Dr Selim Mahbub after receiving information of concern.

There were delays issuing time sensitive medicines for people, the CQC added.

'Abnormal test results'

Staff felt undervalued and unsupported, especially when they were understaffed and the watchdog found some had not received the necessary training to be able to carry out their roles effectively.

CQC deputy director of operation in the Midlands Andy Brand said: "It was concerning that Bath Street didn't have an effective system to ensure abnormal test results were actioned in a timely way.

"This placed people at risk of having undiagnosed and untreated conditions."

At Dr Mahbub's Surgery, the watchdog found "multiple" fit notes - issued to patients following an assessment of their fitness for work - left uncollected.

As well as falling from good to inadequate overall, the practices have also declined from good to inadequate for being safe, effective, responsive and well-led.

Dr Mona Sidhu, Medical Director of Primary Care for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said it supported the decision to suspend the contract with the GP partner.

"The safety and wellbeing of patients remains our top priority, and we are committed to ensuring patients continue to have access to primary care services."

Patients should continue to use their services in the same way, she said.