Under proposals we've announced today, all GP practices rated Inadequate by our inspectors will be placed in special measures and offered support to help them improve.
We’ve been working with NHS England and the Royal College of General Practitioners to develop a pilot programme of intensive support for practices we place in special measures. We have now updated our plans for how we will deal with GP practices providing inadequate care and we’re asking for feedback on our proposals before we finalise our approach for April 2015.
We began rating GP practices in October 2014. We’re proposing that when we rate a practice Inadequate overall it will automatically be placed in special measures. This will give the practice access to a package of support from NHS England. If its rating has not improved within a year, we will cancel its registration. When this happens, NHS England will ensure that patients of the practice will still have access to GP services.
We first announced we were introducing a special measures regime for GP practices in August 2014. Since then, we’ve been working with our partners to develop our approach and test it in our early GP inspections.
Special measures will work alongside our existing powers. If we have serious concerns about a GP practice, we will take immediate action to make sure people get safe, high-quality and compassionate care.
You can read more about our proposals here and tell us what you think of our plans by joining our public or provider communities.
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In detail: special measures for GP practices
Between 15 January and 5 February 2015, we asked for your views on our proposals for special measures for GP practices. We will update our special measures guidance and provider handbooks with our final approach, before formally rolling out our approach in April 2015.