A GP SURGERY has been shut down with immediate affect after inspectors applied for an "urgent" court order for its closure.

The Grafton Surgery, in Long Road, Canvey, has been temporarily closed following an inspection by Care Quality Commission inspectors. 

A message posted on the surgery's website said: "This GP practice is temporarily closed following the urgent cancellation of the CQC registration after a court decision on Monday.

"All patients registered at Grafton Surgery are able to make medical appointments at Oaklands GP practice until further notice.

"The Grafton surgery switchboard number will remain open in the short-term, so patients should continue to call the usual number.

"For any new repeat prescriptions please go to Oaklands Surgery reception desk.

"If you do have an urgent need for medication you can also talk to your usual pharmacy who may be able to help. Patients with urgent medical concerns can also ring NHS 111. All patients from Grafton Surgery will be written to with further information.

"We thank you for your patience at this time.

"Additional appointments/staff have been made available at Oaklands in light of the circumstances."

Tricia D’Orsi, chief nurse for NHS Castle Point and Rochford CCG, said: “Following a recent inspection, the CQC applied to the magistrates court for an urgent cancellation of the CQC registration of Grafton Surgery under section 30 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

"After a court decision on Monday, Grafton Surgery is temporarily closed with immediate effect.

The CCG is working closely with its member GP practices, NHS England and the CQC to put in place some urgent interim arrangements which mean that patients from Grafton Surgery will be seen at Oaklands Surgery who are located on the same floor at the Canvey Primary Care Centre.

"I know that some patients may be concerned and I want to reassure anyone affected by this decision that patient safety is paramount to us. We are working with our partners to make sure that every patient receives the care they are entitled to.

"Legal processes do not allow the CQC to go into further detail at this time, they will publish a full report of findings in due course. Any action CQC takes is open to appeal."