A GP surgery has been placed into special measures by the health watchdog, the Care Quality Commission.

Constable Country Rural Medical Practice, in East Bergholt, has about 10,990 patients from the surrounding area, including Manningtree, Lawford and Brantham.

But it was found to be providing inadequate care following an inspection in March.

The report highlighted a number of areas where improvements must be made, including effective risk management systems against inappropriate or unsafe care, documented cleaning checks and adequate systems for the disposal of prescribed medicines.

The commission is now working with NHS Ipswich and East Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Group to support the practice while it addresses the issues.

GP Partners of Constable Country Medical Practice said: “Clearly, we are disappointed to have received this rating and we see that we do have to make some changes to the way we work together as a practice team.

“We are determined to make the changes that need to be made, within the timescale set by the commission."