A GP practice which had its registration cancelled following serious concerns about the safety of patients will close later this year.

The Advertiser reported in March that The Care Quality Commission (CQC) had taken the urgent legal action against Woodrow Medical Centre "in order to protect the safety and welfare of patients".

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

It meant the practice could no longer operate a GP service but patients could still receive treatment after an interim provider was found.

NHS Redditch and Bromsgrove Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has since tried to secure a permanent clinical provider to continue in the Woodrow area, but hasn't found one.

The CCG has therefore made the decision to close the practice when the contract comes to an end.

Dr Richard Davies, chairman of the CCG, said: “Our priority is to ensure that the care of patients during this interim period is not compromised.

"We would like to assure patients that they can continue to access the full range of services currently being provided at the Woodrow Medical Centre premises until they have registered with another GP practice or until its closure.

He added: “We would like to reassure all patients that the CCG will support them with their decision, and that no one will be left without a GP practice as a result of these changes.”

All patients registered at the centre should have been sent a letter saying they must register with a new GP practice before December 31.

Jane Stanley, director of Healthwatch Worcestershire, said: “We would encourage people who were at Woodrow Medical Practice to tell Healthwatch Worcestershire about their experience of finding another GP practice and of any concerns you might have.

“Whilst we cannot take up individual cases or complaints we can use the information that people tell us to let the CCG know what people think about the changes and to improve services for everyone. We can be contacted by visiting healthwatchworcestershire.co.uk, emailing info@healthwatchworcestershire.co.uk or by telephoning 01386 550264.”