May 30, 2019 9.34 am This story is over 64 months old

Gainsborough GP surgery reopens after sudden closure

CQC will continue to monitor the situation

A GP surgery in Gainsborough reopened on Thursday morning after CQC suspended the service due to “immediate concerns”.

Cleveland Surgery, on Vanessa Drive in Gainsborough, suddenly closed down on Wednesday and cancelled all appointments for patients.

As previously reported, it was stated at the time that the surgery will no longer offer routine appointments and patients were told to call their local pharmacy if they need help.

As of 8am on Thursday, May 30 the surgery reopened to provide services as normal. CQC will continue to monitor the services closely.

Neither NHS England, Lincolnshire West CCG for CQC would confirm the exact reason for the closure, but said the practice would be monitored.

Lincolnshire West CCG said in a statement: “The suspension was as a result of immediate concerns identified by Lincolnshire West CCG and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following recent visits to the practice.

“Having sought assurances from the CCG and NHS England and NHS Improvement – Midlands, the CQC have agreed to lift the suspension, however they will continue to monitor services closely.

“We apologise for any inconvenience that has been caused and thank patients for their understanding during this time.

“Lincolnshire West CCG is supporting the practice and remains committed to ensuring services continue to be offered from this site, and that patients receive safe care.”

Lincolnshire West CCG added that all current staff are working at the surgery as normal with support from additional clinical and managerial staff.

Any patients who had appointments cancelled have been contacted and alternative arrangements put in place.

CQC said in a statement: “CQC is aware of issues regarding this practice and took enforcement action to suspend the service.

“We have sought assurances from NHS England and NHS Improvement – Midlands and the local Clinical Commissioning Group so that arrangements are put in place to continue to offer services from this GP practice. We are monitoring this service closely and will take further enforcement action in line with our powers, if required, to ensure patients receive safe care.”

When Lincolnshire Reporter approached Cleveland Surgery it declined to comment.

The practice was rated by CQC as ‘requires improvement’ overall after an inspection in January 2019.