A GP surgery which is already in special measures has been rated “inadequate” for the second time in less than a year.

Dr SKS Swedan and Partner in Woodgrange Road, Forest Gate, was labelled inadequate overall and for being safe and well-led by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) after its visit on January 23.

The practice failed on exactly the same measures during the health watchdog’s previous visit on May 16 last year.

It now risks possible closure in the coming months if it does not make the necessary improvements, CQC inspectors have warned.

Some of the most serious findings in the recent inspection, a report of which was published on May 11, included “limited staff cover and fail-safe systems” for cervical screening.

In addition, patients sometimes found they struggled to make an appointment or get through to the practice by telephone.

There was also “evidence of systemic problems such as breakdowns in working relationships and divides between staff” plus “low levels of staff satisfaction”.

The practice’s leadership team was singled out for particular criticism from the CQC.

According to inspectors, they “did not consistently demonstrate they had the experience, capacity and capability to run the practice and ensure high quality care”.

Gaps were also found in some training programmes including recruitment, fire safety and infection control.

The surgery was rated as “good” for caring and effectiveness but “requiring improvement” for responsiveness.

All patients said they were involved in decisions about their care and treatment.

At the May 2016 inspection, concerns had been raised that there was no evidence that longer appointments had been provided for patients with a learning disability.

No concerns relating to appointments for patients with a learning disability were identified during the most recent inspection.

Professor Steve Field, chief inspector of General Practice at the CQC, said: “Where necessary, another inspection will be conducted within six months, and if there is not enough improvement we will move to close the service by adopting our proposal to vary the provider’s registration to remove this location or cancel the provider’s registration.”

The surgery has not responded to a request for a comment by the Recorder.