IMH, the private company which has been responsible for hugely criticised problems at five Swindon GP surgeries has quit.

The Manchester-based company took over the back-office management at the surgeries in Swindon - Taw Hill, Eldene and Phoenix surgeries and the Abbey Meads and Moredon medical centres - late last year. Ever since patients have complained bitterly about difficulties in getting through to the surgeries, being unable to make an appointment and of having appointments cancelled at the last minute.

After a formal contract meeting with the Clinical Commissioning Group on Tuesday, it was announced that IMH was withdrawing from running the services, though it would stay on until a replacement arrangement was found.

The CCG said in a statement: "Following lengthy discussions, and in light of ongoing challenges, Swindon Clinical Commissioning Group can confirm that Integral Medical Holdings (IMH) will withdraw from its operations in Swindon.

"Since September 2018, the IMH Group had been working in partnership with five GP practices – Moredon Medical Centre, Abbey Meads Medical Centre, Phoenix Surgery, Eldene Surgery and Taw Hill Medical Practice – to provide a range of consolidated back-office services, such as administration, recruitment and IT services.

"During this time, patients have continually raised concerns at the difficulties faced when attempting to contact their surgery and book appointments using the newly-introduced single contact centre, often referred to as the Hub.

"Many of these issues have been linked to technical faults with the hardware system and, although engineers are currently working to address the problem, the CCG fully acknowledges that many patients are still experiencing issues.

"Earlier this month, the CCG issued IMH with a remedial notice, which requires a provider to take immediate action when there is sufficient reason to believe a contract has been breached.

"However, following a meeting of the CCG, IMH and senior clinical staff, and due to the ongoing technical issues, IMH has agreed to end its contract with the five practices.

"The CCG will now begin exploring and identifying with each of the practices the most appropriate solution going forward.

"IMH has agreed to continue working in Swindon, with oversight from the CCG, while this process is carried out, meaning patients should continue to contact their surgery in the usual way and attend all pre-booked appointments as normal.

"Further updates will be shared with patients as soon as any key decisions are made.

"The CCG fully acknowledges that the past nine months have been a difficult time for patients and we would like to thank the people of Swindon for their continued patience and understanding."

Politicians and campaigners have been maintaining pressure on IMH and the CCG since the problems became apparent.

Councillor Emma Faramarzi, who represents Priory Vale, uses one of the surgeries with her family. She said: "In one sense, the last thing we need now is more instability. I've been very frustrated that these problems have taken so long to be sorted out - and we've been going around in circles, and now have been going backwards.

"I hope whoever agrees to take on the service, or whichever company is appointed, I hope there are key performance indicators in place, and I hope all due diligence is done. The people of north Swindon deserve stability and a proper GP service."

Councillor Bazil Solomon represents Liden, Eldene and Park South, and other area with a surgery affected.

He said: "I've just heard. I'm a bit concerned that patients aren't just left in the lurch as IMH ups and leaves. The CCG need to make sure it takes control and ensures there are doctors and nurses for the patients."

The Labour party's parliamentary candidate for North Swindon Kate Linnegar has led a number of protest over the issue at surgeries and outside the CCG office this week.

She said: "This is a success, because the private company which was failing patients has gone. It makes me wonder how it was ever given the contract in the first place - it has a reputation for these problems. If you google IMH there are stories of difficulties at surgeries all over the country.

"The question now is whether the CCG will take control to ensure a good service for the patients who have suffered enough.

"I'd also say well done to patients who have written and emailed and complained, and never seemed to be getting anywhere. Today their voice has been heard, which is great."

Justin Tomlinson, the Conservative MP for North Swindon has been approached for comment.