How can I ensure that my surgery is CQC compliant?
Q: How can I ensure that my surgery is CQC compliant?
A: The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has announced that they will inspect 10% of doctor’s surgeries in the UK because they are “at risk of non-compliance”. Therefore, doctors need to be proactive to ensure that their property will meet the guidelines.
Precise details of what the CQC will be looking for in terms of primary care property have not yet been released. However, we strongly advise surgeries to undertake a Property Condition Survey as we believe that this will provide a good indication as to whether the premises will be CQC compliant or not.
A comprehensive survey, that our Team can provide, 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.”
Any GP surgery that is concerned about the CQC inspections should contact us 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.
Call us now on 0845 143 0019 or email info@gpsurveyors.co.uk!