A GP practice which had its registration cancelled following serious concerns about the safety of patients will close on December 31.

The Advertiser reported earlier this year 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) tried to secure a permanent clinical provider but failed.

It said after careful consideration they have taken the decision to close the practice on December 31 and urged all patients at the medical centre they must register with a new GP practice before that date.

Dr Richard Davies, chairman of NHS Redditch and Bromsgrove 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 that no one would be left without a GP practice as a result of the closure.

Jane Stanley, from watchdog Healthwatch Worcestershire, said: “Our concern, as an independent champion for people using NHS services, is that services to patients are safe and that patients receive the high-quality services that they expect and deserve.

"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."

To contact Healthwatch Worcestershire, go to healthwatchworcestershire.co.uk.