Two large GP practices in the East of England have been placed in special measures after falling foul of government inspectors.

The Sleaford Medical Group in Lincolnshire had enjoyed high ratings until inspectors visited in April.

According to local press reports, it then suffered further press reports before a report of the Care Quality Commission was published yesterday.

Inspectors criticised measures to protect safety of patients – and has also told the 18,500 patient practice to listen more to patients and improve the quality of caring.

It has also been told to review its regular checks of controlled drugs.

In June, according to the local press, the practice was forced to seal off its patient toilets after used needles were found in them. This led to patients have to request access for each visit.

GP Dr Gaspar Da Silva told Lincolnshire Live that the problems were being tackled.

He said: “These areas have either been resolved or are being addressed and we would like to apologise to our patients for any concern that may have been caused as a result.

“We remain committed to providing patient focused care for everyone and our patients have said that they are well cared for and are treated with dignity and respect at the practice.

“We take our responsibility for safeguarding very seriously and have ensured that all of our staff are fully compliant with current safeguarding training.”

The inspectors also placed the Kirkley Mill Surgery in Lowestoft in special measures, criticising its safety, leadership and effectiveness as inadequate.

The practice is run by the East Coast Community Healthcare Trust.

Inspectors criticised the use of untrained non-clinical staff to triage home visits and the absence of regular multi-disciplinary meetings.

They said there was a “lack of overall clinical leadership” at the practice.

The Care Quality Commission also named two practices in the Midlands as inadequate. They were the Groby Surgery, Leicestershire, and Dr Manickam Murugan, of Cannock Chase.

CQC deputy chief inspector of general practice Janet Williamson said: “Inspectors found these services were failing to provide the level of care people should be able to expect.

“We found a number of concerns at these services and as a result of our findings all two services have been rated Inadequate and placed into special measures.

“We will continue to monitor these practices and we will inspect again in six months to check whether improvements have been made.”

She added: “I am hopeful that the practices will do what is required for the sake of their patients, but if we find that any of these services remain inadequate, we will consider taking further action.”

* The commission said it was lifting the suspension of a practice in Edmonton, London – even though it will remain in special measures.

A caretaker service has been running the Boundary House surgery since its registration was suspended last year.

The move means that GPs will be able to resume leadership of the practice, which currently functions with one part-time doctor and three locums.

The CQC said it would be keeping a close eye on the practice quality improvement programme – and on clinician knowledge of patient management and document management systems.