Conditions have been imposed on Lanchester Medical Centre after Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspectors landed on July 31.
Full details of the CQC’s concerns or conditions remain unknown at this time. A full inspection report is expected to be published in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, the Durham Road practice is operating as normal for patients.
A CQC spokesperson said: “We carried out an inspection of Lanchester Medical Centre in County Durham in July.
“Following this inspection, the CQC took urgent action to impose conditions on the registration of the provider due to concerns found which placed people at risk.
“Throughout this time, the CQC have been working in partnership with commissioners to make sure that patients are still able to access GP services.
“The provider has the right to appeal and further information will be published by CQC when we are able to do so.”
The Lanchester Medical Centre. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) A notice posted online says provider Dr Harpreet Singh Kalra has now subcontracted the site to the South Durham Health Community Interest Company.
It states: “Following a CQC inspection on July 31, Lanchester Medical Centre has been placed under special measures.
“The full report will be published by the CQC and made publicly available in the coming weeks. To ensure implementation of recommended improvements, Dr Kalra has subcontracted the contract to South Durham Health Community Interest Company.
“We will be working closely with the Integrated Care Board (ICB), Local Medical Committee (LMC), and local colleagues to support the practice during this transition period.
“South Durham Health has extensive experience in managing GP practices and providing tailored support to its member practices.
“We are committed to placing patients, clinicians, and carers at the centre of decision-making to improve health outcomes. Our approach is open, inclusive, and evidence-based.
“We will apply these values and our experience in collaboration with the practice team, the public and patient group at Lanchester Medical Centre, and partner organisations to ensure delivery of safe and effective clinical services that meet the needs of the local population.”(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
The North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), on behalf of the GP Federation, said the practice was continuing to operate as normal.
A spokesperson added: “We are working closely with the CQC and South Durham GP Federation to support the practice and its staff.
“We would like to reassure patients that the practice continues to operate as normal and patients should contact them in the usual way.”
The Northern Echo has contacted Lanchester Medical Centre and South Durham Health for comment, but neither responded in time for publication.