News

Monday 6 February 2012

GP Surveyors Urge Doctors to Complete Property Condition Surveys in the First Step to Becoming CQC Compliant

Following the announcement that the Care Quality Commission (CQC) will inspect 10% of doctor’s surgeries in the UK because they are “at risk of non-compliance”, GP Surveyors are calling on all surgeries to complete a Property Condition Survey as the first step in ensuring that their property will meet the guidelines.

Andrew O’Dowd, Director at GP Surveyors, explains: “Precise details of what the CQC will be looking for in terms of primary care property have not yet been released. However, we expect that undertaking a Property Condition Survey will provide a good indication as to whether the premises can be CQC compliant or not.”

A comprehensive survey will include an Access Audit which will determine whether the property is, or can be, compliant within the terms of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and will also detail action which may be taken to improve the building in terms of its physical condition; space utilisation and functionality; quality; environmental performance; and health and safety.

In guidelines provided by the British Medical Association (BMA), it suggests that CQC compliance of ‘Outcome 10: Safety and Suitability of Premises’ can be demonstrated by providing “evidence that you monitor and review relevant policies/protocols/procedures” and “evidence of relevant local or national guidance having been taken into account.”

Mr O’Dowd continued: “Any GP surgery that is concerned about the CQC inspections should contact a suitably qualified surveyor to carry out an audit. As far as we understand it, a surgery which has completed a condition survey, is DDA compliant and is taking steps to improve their physical premises will be more than likely be able to meet the CQC guidelines. Moreover, being DDA compliant can have a hugely positive impact on the amount of Notional rent that a surgery receives.

“Don’t sit back and wait in the hope that you will pass an inspection. Doctors need to be proactive, seek advice and act now to ensure CQC compliance.”