A MEDICAL practice residing in Harlow has been put into special measures after inspectors were left feeling "concerned" following a recent visit.

Church Langley Medical Centre, in Church Langley Way, Harlow, has been rated inadequate by the Care Quality Commission.

The CQC has dropped its overall rating from good following an inspection which took place back in November. 

The practice, which has also been known as Dr M Kisenyi & Partners, also saw its individual ratings for safety, responsiveness, and whether it is well-led drop to inadequate.

Hazel Roberts, CQC deputy director of operations in the east of England, said: “When we inspected Church Langley Medical Centre, we were concerned to find its leaders had poor oversight of multiple issues affecting people’s safety and weren’t always acting promptly to improve the service. 

“For example, while most staff were hard-working and focused on people’s needs, leaders hadn’t always ensured staff had all the skills and knowledge they needed to keep people safe. 

“Additionally, some medications and equipment weren’t stored properly.

"We found an oxygen cylinder which staff hadn’t realised expired in October 2022, despite making daily checks of medical emergency equipment.

“Data from the GP patient survey showed people’s experiences at the practice worsening over the past two years, but leaders hadn’t always used people’s feedback to make improvements.

"Likewise, the practice recorded incidents when things went wrong but couldn’t always show evidence they’d taken action to stop it from happening again in future. 

“We’ve told the service where improvements are needed and will be monitoring the practice closely to ensure these are carried out urgently.” 

The service has now been placed in special measures which means it will be kept under review by the CQC and re-inspected in due course to check on the progress of improvements.

Bosses at Church Langley Medical Practice have now responded to the rating, saying they are doing everything they can to turn the rating around.

A spokesman for the service said: “The practice acknowledges the findings of the inspection and are working closely with the CQC, ICB and other agencies to address the areas highlighted.”