News • Walthamstow

Walthamstow GP being handed to healthcare company after ‘inadequate’ rating

27 October, 2021 12:00 am
2 Min Read

The practice was rated “inadequate” after an inspection at the end of August
By Victoria Munro

The handover will take place at the end of the month (Stock image/fernando zhiminaicela)
The handover will take place at the end of the month (Stock image/fernando zhiminaicela)

A Walthamstow GP is being handed over to a healthcare company after being deemed unsafe and placed in special measures.

Forest Surgery in MacDonald Road was inspected in August and given the lowest possible “inadequate” rating because it lacked “systems and processes to keep patients safe”.

The report, published on the 22nd October, added that “the practice was unable to show that staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles”.

The lead GP, Dr Ahmad, has now decided to end his contract with the NHS at the end of this month, according to a notice on the surgery’s website.

The local NHS has decided to hand the practice over to a company called Omnes Healthcare Ltd as a “temporary arrangement until the permanent arrangements for the patient list are worked through”.

Forest Surgery in MacDonald Road (credit: Google Streetview)

The statement on the GP’s website reads: “Dr Ahmad can choose to terminate his NHS contract when he is no longer able to provide GP services. 

“NHS North East London Clinical Commissioning Group (NEL CCG) is responsible for ensuring patients registered at the practice continue to receive GP services uninterrupted.

“We are working closely with Omnes Healthcare to ensure there is a smooth transition… from 1st November 2021. Continuity of patient care will not be affected by these changes. 

“The clinical team and staff currently can continue working at the practice and patients do not have to change their registration to another practice. All contact details for the practice will remain the same. There is no action for you to take.”

The NEL CCG have been contacted for comment.

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