The private company that runs Iwade Health Centre will leave next month after the practice was placed in special measures.

Swale Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has come to a mutual agreement with Malling Health to terminate its contract early as a result of concerns and the findings of a Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection.

Malling Health will withdraw from September 1 and, until then, will work with DMC Healthcare, which runs the walk-in surgery at Sheppey Community Hospital, to provide healthcare.

DMC will then take over on a 12-month contract while the CCG finds a permanent solution.

Dr Fiona Armstrong, chairman of Swale CCG, said: “We have been concerned for some time about the service being delivered at Iwade and disappointed that Malling Health has not been able to put in place a better service for patients.

“We have been working closely with NHS England and the CQC and have negotiated an early end to the contract with Malling Health.

“Fortunately, we have been able to secure support from DMC Healthcare to ensure continuity of care for patients and we hope to see an improvement.

“Some staff may remain at the practice after the end of the contract, but working with DMC Healthcare.

“Staff at Iwade have been working hard to try to support patients in what have sometimes been difficult times and we are grateful for this. With the right support and staff levels, we believe DMC Healthcare can improve the patient experience at Iwade.”

Dr Armstrong added: “The CQC report released this week relates to an historic inspection carried out in June and is superceded by action taken by the CCG and the CQC. A lot of work has gone on since June.

“The CQC report came as no surprise to us and we are pleased that we have been able to agree a solution for patients which will hopefully improve their experience of GP services in Iwade.”

The CCG is writing to patients about the changes. Anyone concerned may contact the practice or the CCG on 03000 425100 or email swale.ccg@nhs.net.