Useful resources for GPs

Ridouts has compiled a set of useful resources for General Practitioners, to provide quick information about potential legal situations, tips for handling and preventing them, and let you know of any events that might benefit you.

You can learn more about the services we offer GPs here.

CQC Inspection Outcomes – Key Considerations

CQC inspections are part and parcel of running a GP practice. However, it pays to be prepared. Here are some key considerations for you:

For services rated Inadequate and being put in Special Measures, the domain that is usually rated Inadequate is the Safe domain. This often sits alongside an Inadequate Well-Led domain. Therefore the CQC often report on GP practices not meeting the required standards of provision of safe care and treatment.
It is common for the CQC to pick up on issues in relation to emergency procedures, medicine management and safeguarding. Likewise in the Safe domain the CQC are identifying issues in relation to the maintenance of premises, monitoring and management of incidents and accidents and the security of prescription pads.
Staff records should be scrutinised before an inspection. The CQC are very good at picking up gaps in the skills, knowledge, qualification and experience of the workforce, records relating to security and background checks on staff and also training and appraisals records. Incomplete employment histories, lack of DBS and insufficient checks on those carrying out chaperone duties are quick wins for the CQC.

GP practices usually score highly in the Caring domain, but often fall slightly short with regards to privacy and dignity, in particular lack of confidentiality in GP reception areas.
An Inadequate rating in the Well Led domain and any of the other four domains means automatic Special Measures. To boost chances of a higher rating in the Well Led domain, GP practices may wish to focus on capacity and capability of leadership, continuous improvement and innovation as well as governance more generally
Responsive is a domain with a wide range of characteristics. To score well in this domain a GP practice needs to engage with patients and the local community. Put yourselves in the shoes of your patients and consider how easy it is to access the surgery and book appointments. Speak to your local community about immunisations and screenings. Find out from your patient population those that have caring responsibilities. Engagement is key.

For more information on how Ridouts can help your practice pre- and post a CQC inspection please contact us on 0207 317 0340, or fill in the contact form.