TWO doctors surgeries have been placed into special measures as healthcare inspectors downgrade Chatham Street Surgery and London Street Surgery.

The Care Quality Commission carried out both investigations separately last month and rated each practice as "inadequate".

At Chatham Street Surgery inspectors noted significant concerns over medicine management as well as the surgery's safety and leadership.

Patients at the surgery reported a lack of continuity in care through the use of locum GPs.

A lack of correct systems to check fridge temperatures and ensure nurses administered vaccines correctly were also found.

The practice will now have access to assistance from NHS England and the Royal College of General Practice to help with driving up standards.

Dr Geoff Payne, medical director, NHS England, said: "The CQC report identifies improvements that need to be made in a number of areas including monitoring performance, medicines management and managing risks.

"Patient safety is our top priority. Together with South Reading Clinical Commissioning Group, we are supporting the practice to develop and implement an action plan so that they can make improvements quickly.

"We encourage patients to continue to support the practice during this time."

At London Street inspectors found that the staff were unsure about how to report incidents, near-misses and concerns.

They also noted that the practice, registered to Dr N Essa and Dr M Harrold, had no clear leadership structure.

Ruth Rankine, deputy chief inspector of general practice said: "Dr N Essa and Dr M Harrold, from the London Street Surgery provide general medical services to over 4,400 registered patients. All patients are entitled to expect high quality and consistent care from their GP practice.

"We have found significant areas of concern, which is why we are placing this practice into special measures.

"We will continue to monitor progress and we will inspect again in six months to check whether sufficient improvements have been made. I am hopeful that the practice will do what is required for the sake of their patients, but if we find that services remain inadequate, we will consider taking further action."