Tips For Passing The CQC Inspection | Medical Calibration Services
The CQC inspection is a fact of life for every GP practice. The two-week notice period of an inspection is still enough to set your nerves jangling. The only way to prepare for a CQC inspection is to be prepared! What this means is to ensure that every day is treated with equal importance. If your systems, processes, Medical Calibration Services, procedures and policies are consistently adhered to and updated, then you’ll always be ready for the CQC Inspection.
You shouldn’t have to change anything that you do in the two-week notice period before the CQC inspection takes place. However, the productive way to use this time is to ensure that:
• Your practice policies are up to date
• Premises are up to the required standard
• Infection control policies and medicines and vaccines procedures are in place
• Records are up to date and complete
• Most importantly, those two weeks are time enough to prepare your staff for the CQC visit. They are bound to be nervous, so take the time to prepare the team and individuals as necessary.
What the CQC will ask
Use team meetings and one-to-ones to discuss what the CQC will ask during its visit. It wants to know if your services are:
• Safe
• Effective
• Caring
• Responsive
• Well led
Inadequate practices are poorly directed, while outstanding practices have leadership that is visionary and focuses on patient care and employee improvement.
Inadequate practices lack patient and staff safety procedures.
Outstanding practices are found to be innovative and patient-centric, encouraging feedback and participation in setting strategy.
Inadequate practices are found to be failing in the upkeep of premises and equipment.
Outstanding practices are at the centre of their communities.
On the day of the inspection
Prepare for the day of the inspection by ensuring every member of staff understands its significance. Ideally, it will be no more than a routine day (there shouldn’t be a need to do anything differently), but the reality is that it will be a very different day to the routine. Here are a few tips for the day itself:
• Make sure that you have adequate numbers of employees on duty
• Make sure your employees are dressed smartly
• Phones should be answered promptly
• Be prepared to deal with any patient complaints quickly and quietly – the last thing you want is an irate patient shouting the odds in the waiting room
• Ask patients if they would like to be interviewed by the CQC
• Provide a lunch that allows an opportunity to showcase the good things you do
• Prepare posters for public areas that highlight your services and results
Extra tips for the practice manager
As a practice manager, it’s likely that you’ll be interviewed in some depth. Be prepared for questions and to evidence internal audits, Medical Calibration Services reports, policies, risk assessments, medicine and vaccine control procedures, and so on. Prepare a folder of good results and outcomes (for example, staff training, patient group therapy sessions, etc.).
Finally, be aware that the CQC inspector will most definitely have reviewed your website, patient comments, and observations on the NHS Choices site − you should do the same during the two-week notice period. Forewarned is forearmed.
Forest Medical provides comprehensive Medical Calibration Services for healthcare professionals and individuals. If you need Medical Equipment Calibration and testing, then our expert team of highly trained engineers can help you.
We are entirely dedicated to making sure that our clients have peace of mind and a safe workplace with equipment that is functioning at its very best. When you are working with us, on an individual basis or Contract, you can always expect the highest standard of Medical Calibration Services, delivered at an affordable price.