A GP practice in Redditch has had its registration cancelled with immediate effect following serious concerns about the safety of patients.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) said it has taken the urgent legal action against The Woodrow Medical Centre "in order to protect the safety and welfare of patients".

Concerns stemmed from an unannounced inspection on March 14, which found unsafe practice, insufficient staffing, a lack of clinical leadership, and a failure to manage risks.

A CQC spokesman said: “On Wednesday, 21 March 2018, CQC was successful in its application to Redditch Magistrates Court to cancel the registration of The Woodrow Medical Centre in Redditch, Worcestershire with immediate effect.

"This means the practice can no longer operate a GP service from the premises. CQC took this action because it had serious concerns about the service and the risks it presented to patients.

“We are working closely with partner agencies including NHS Redditch and Bromsgrove Clinical Commissioning Group and NHS England to ensure patients continue to receive the service they are entitled to.

“Where providers are not meeting required standards, we have a range of enforcement powers we can use to protect the health, safety and welfare of people who use services."

Patients can still receive treatment at the centre as alternative provisions have been provided.

Dr Richard Davies, chair and clinical lead for NHS Redditch and Bromsgrove CCG, said: “It is the CCG’s priority concern to protect the safety and welfare of patients.

"Therefore the CCG has worked with local doctors to ensure an interim clinical provider is in place, who will continue to provide services for patients at the Woodrow Medical Centre premises.

“Patients are advised to still contact the surgery on the same contact details."

A full report on the findings will be published at a later date.

Patients can visit redditchandbromsgroveccg.nhs.uk/about-us/woodrow for more information.