Update on GP Services at The Hollies

We understand that recent events at The Hollies GP Practice have caused frustration and uncertainty for patients.

We know patients and stakeholders want a full explanation of what has happened.
Unfortunately, there are legal restrictions that prevent us from sharing every detail publicly at this stage. These relate to ongoing legal processes and rights of appeal connected to the current contract holder.

We want to reassure you that we are doing everything possible to fully restore services from the building.

Challenges the new provider has faced

A new, temporary GP provider is now in place to ensure continuity of care for patients at The Hollies.

However, there have been significant practical challenges which slowed progress, including difficulties accessing the building.

These challenges are not the fault of the new provider. They have been working closely and tirelessly with the local NHS team and other partners to overcome these issues as quickly and safely as possible and offer comprehensive primary care provision to the Hollies patients.

Where to find verified updates

The latest information on the reopening of services and how to access care will always be published on The Hollies website

Please note

An existing Facebook page and Instagram account previously linked to The Hollies is not managed by the new leadership team at the Hollies GP Surgery.

Why can’t services operate as normal?

Although the new provider now holds a GP contract, to provide care legally and safely, the provider must also have the legal right to occupy the building.

Accessing care in the meantime

For latest updates, please visit The Hollies website.

We know this has been a worrying time and we are grateful for your continued understanding and support as we work to stabilise GP services at The Hollies.

Other Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

A GP contract is a legal agreement between the NHS commissioner (such as an Integrated Care Board, or ICB) and the contract holder, who may be an individual, partnership, or company.

Even if a doctor cannot personally provide clinical services because of restrictions on their GMC registration, they can still legally remain a contract holder — as long as the terms of the contract are met and suitable arrangements are in place for others to deliver patient care.

The GMC is the independent regulator for doctors in the UK. It oversees registration, licensing, and fitness to practise.

If a doctor’s licence to practise is suspended, removed, or restricted, the GMC determines what the doctor can or cannot do professionally.

The GMC does not oversee GP contracts or commissioning decisions but will be informed if a commissioner or another authority has concerns about a doctor’s professional conduct, behaviour, or fitness to practise.

The CQC regulates health and social care providers in England to ensure that services are safe, effective, and well-led.

The CQC inspects and monitors GP practices (and other providers) rather than individual clinicians.

If a GP contract holder cannot personally deliver clinical care, the CQC will assess whether the practice has appropriate leadership, governance, and clinical oversight arrangements in place to protect patients and ensure safe care continues.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has the legal power to suspend or cancel a provider’s registration if it finds that the service is unsafe, not meeting fundamental standards, or failing to comply with legal or regulatory requirements, which means the provider can no longer legally deliver regulated healthcare for a set time. The provider has the legal right to appeal that decision.

The commissioner is responsible for ensuring that contracted services meet the required standards and are safely delivered. 

The terms and conditions of contracts for General Practice are negotiated nationally between the NHS and GP representatives. 

These contracts set out the framework within which the ICB can make changes to a contract it holds for General Practice services.

The ICB cannot remove or terminate a contract arbitrarily — only when contractual or regulatory grounds exist (for example, if there is evidence of a breach of contract or patient safety risk).

Commissioners are also obliged to report concerns about a doctor’s conduct or capability to the GMC or other relevant bodies where appropriate.

GP practices work asindependent contractors, which means they run their own businesses or partnerships that have a contract with the NHS to provide GP services to patients.

If a doctor who holds a GP contract has been investigated or bailed for matters outside their professional work, the relevant authorities — such as the GMC or the police — will determine whether this affects their fitness to practise.

If the GMC imposes restrictions, they cannot personally provide care but may still be the contract holder. A doctor cannot hold a GP contract if they have had their license removed.

The commissioner will assess whether the practice continues to operate safely and in compliance with contractual and CQC requirements. Patient safety remains the overriding priority.

If concerns arise, the commissioner can:

  • Monitor and review the delivery of services closely.
  • Engage with the CQC to ensure regulatory compliance and safe leadership arrangements.
  • Refer concerns to the GMC or other relevant authorities if issues relate to professional conduct.
  • Take contractual action, up to and including termination, if there is evidence of breach of contract or risk to patients.

The key focus is on ensuring that:

The provider meets CQC and contractual standards.

Safe and effective care continues for patients.

The individuals delivering care are properly licensed, trained, and supervised.

Patient safety is maintained through multiple layers of oversight:

CQC inspections and registration ensure the provider meets regulatory standards.

Commissioner monitoring ensures the practice delivers contractual and quality requirements.

Clinical governance systems within the practice ensure that only appropriately licensed and qualified clinicians see patients.

GMC oversight ensures that individuals with restrictions do not undertake clinical work they are not permitted to perform.

These checks work together to protect patients, even if a contract holder is not personally practising medicine.

Concerns about a doctor’s professional conduct or licence should be raised directly with the GMC.

A care-taking arrangement is when another approved GP provider is temporarily brought in to run a GP practice and look after its patients.

This usually happens because the original provider can’t legally provide services — for example, if their CQC registration has been removed.

No, holding the GP contract does not automatically mean you can open the doors of the practice. You must also have the legal right to occupy the building (such as a lease) and meet all the regulatory conditions before services can safely restart.