The move comes after the CQC rated Sheerness Health Centre, which provides general medical services for around 7,100 people and is managed Dr Sanjiv Patel, as inadequate following an inspection in November.

The inspection was carried due to concerns CQC had received about the culture and clinical arrangements of the practice.

Inspectors found:

• Lead clinicians did not oversee risks such as safeguarding, medicine management and clinical practice.
• Records showed that concerns raised in clinical meetings were not actioned or resolved.
• The clinical records reviewed lacked sufficient detail.
• Staff didn't work in partnership with other health and social care services to coordinate people's care and improve their experiences of services.
• There was no system to assist staff to appropriately prioritise people according to clinical needs.
• There were no policies and procedures in place to ensure staff knew and observed best practice when recording and delivering care.
• Consent was not appropriately obtained or documented prior to administering vaccinations to some vulnerable people.
• The practice did not take part in any safeguarding meetings. Inspectors found when checking a sample of do not attempt resuscitation records for people, the appropriate safeguards had not been observed. Forms had not been overseen and authorised by the most senior responsible clinician overseeing the person's care.

The CQC said: 'The overall rating for the practice, as well as the areas of safe, effective, and well-led have all declined from requires improvement to inadequate. Responsive has declined from good to requires improvement. Caring was not included in this inspection and remain rated as good from their previous inspection.'

Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board, which commissions GP services across Kent, has arranged caretaker Maritime Health Partnership (MHP) to run GP services from Sheerness Health Centre. Dr Patel has supported them to do this.

Sharon Hogarth, partner at MHP, said: ‘Since stepping in as the interim provider, we have implemented a robust action plan to address the CQC's findings and improve care at Sheerness Health Centre.

‘Our goal is to work with the centre's team to make sure the practice can meet and sustain the required standards, ensuring patients receive the good quality, safe, evidence-based care and treatment they deserve and improve long-term health outcomes.'

Dr Sanjiv Patel, who has been suffering from ill health over the past few months, added: ‘Over the past few months, I have been unable to provide the level of leadership and oversight necessary to maintain the high standards of care our patients deserve. I want to thank Maritime Health Partnership for stepping in at this critical time. Their unwavering commitment, expertise, and dedication are ensuring the improvements needed to restore safety and quality at Sheerness Health Centre.

‘I am committed to regaining my health and look forward to resuming my role in the practice when the time is right. In the meantime, I want to reassure our patients that we are prioritising their care.'

The CQC will continue to monitor the service closely and will return to inspect it in dur course.