The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has put a Brent GP practice into special measures after it was rated as inadequate during an inspection in March.

Dr Abubakr Shaikh’s practice at Peel Precinct, Carlton Vale, Brent, was found to be inadequate for providing safe and effective services by inspectors from the CQC.

It was also ranged as needing improvement for providing well-led services and as Good for providing caring and responsive services.

​Inspectors found that there had been some improvements since the last inspection but that the practice was not meeting the essential standards of quality and safety in a number of areas.

It also found that there were continuing deficiencies in the systems for infection control, medicines management, the maintenance of emergency and electrical equipment and the assessment and management of risk to ensure the safety of premises and equipment.

Ursula Gallagher, Deputy Chief Inspector of General Practice, said: "It is important that the people who are registered with Dr Abubakr Shaikh can rely on getting the high quality care which everyone is entitled to receive from their GP.

"Although some people told us staff were caring and treated patients with dignity and respect, our inspection found continued breaches of regulations affecting the overall ratings for safety and effectiveness.

"I do not believe that the practice is likely to resolve its challenges without external support. This is why we are placing the practice into special measures.

"After a period of six months we will inspect again to check whether sufficient improvements have been made. If we find that the service provided by this practice remains Inadequate, we will consider taking steps to cancel its registration with CQC."

Although the practice has been placed in special measures, NHS England and the Royal College of GPs package of support will ensure that there are no immediate risks to patient safety at these GP practices whilst improvements are being made.

The practice was approached about the report but declined to comment on the matter.

Hospital staff are anxious over job losses at London North West NHS Trust after it was also told to improve by the CQC.