A Norfolk GP practice has been put into special measures after being branded inadequate by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The Family Healthcare Centre in Gorleston has been put into special measures following a CQC inspection last October.

In a report, published today, the health watchdog said: 'Although the practice staff offered a caring and supportive service, there were very limited systems in place to monitor the safety and effectiveness of the care and support that was being provided to patients. The leadership and management structure were not clear.'

The surgery, in East Anglian Way, has 5,360 patients on its books.

While inspectors highlighted some positives - saying the surgery offered a caring and supportive service and it employed friendly, helpful staff, they made it clear drastic improvements were needed.

The report said: 'The practice must strengthen the clinical leadership for infection control and seek assurance that the quality of cleaning at the practice is being maintained.

'Surgical procedures must be reviewed so that best practice guidelines are followed and there is a system in place to follow up patients post procedure.

'The practice must maintain an up to date list of clinical staff with Hepatitis B immunity.'

Lead GP Dr Keivan Maleki said they were 'obviously disappointed' by the CQC findings added he was already 'driving through changes'.

He said: 'Our priority is our patients, and today I am pledging to them that we will improve our services.

'This report is obviously disappointing for everyone at the practice, but we are already taking steps to address the concerns raised, many of which relate to having the proper paperwork and documentation in place.

'I am confident that our clinical work is sound, but we need to make sure we have the documentation to back this up, and that is what we are busy working on now.'

He added: 'It is really important to note that the CQC found our services were caring, friendly and supportive, and I would like to thank my staff for the dedication and commitment they show to our patients every day.

'But we are not complacent about the improvements we need to make, and have already begun work to drive through changes for the benefit of our patients. This includes improving the storage of medicines and new induction arrangements for staff, while we have also stopped providing minor surgery for lumps and bumps until we have all of the proper governance arrangements set up to do this.

'We will continue to do everything possible to address each recommendation made by the CQC and aim to improve the service we provide within the next six months.'

Dr John Stammers, Southwold GP and chairman of Great Yarmouth and Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group, said: 'We are concerned about this report, but are also impressed with the positive approach the practice has already made to putting things right.

'We will continue to work with Dr Maleki and his staff to make sure the necessary improvements are made.'

Linda Clemmit, chair of the practice's patient participation group (PPG) said: 'Dr Maleki has spoken with the PPG at length since the report was published, and we are reassured that the right actions are in place to address the CQC's concerns.'

You can read the CQC report in full at www.cqc.org.uk/provider/1-199716359.