Two large GP practices in the East of England have been placed in special measures after falling foul of government inspectors. The Sleaford Medical Group in Lincolnshire had enjoyed high ratings until inspectors visited in April. According to local press reports, it then suffered further press reports before a report of the Care Quality Commission…

Just when you think you’ve got the CQC inspections sussed, and you’ve successfully survived your first visit, along come some changes to the regulations! Yes, that’s right – later this year the CQC will be changing the focus of its inspections. Originally scheduled to come into force in October 2017 – but delayed by the…

As a PM of a practice which has recently been awarded an ‘outstanding ‘rating by CQC  I have experienced a range of emotions. Before the inspection I felt anxious because, unfortunately, rightly or wrongly,  CQC ratings will be used to judge the practice in the future. During the two week build up to the inspection,…

Most practices that get a poor rating from inspectors manage to improve later, according to a new analysis. About 80% of practices survive their first poor inspection report and climb out of the “inadequate” rating, the Health Service Journal reports. It reports an analysis showing that out of the first 151 practices rate inadequate, some…

The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 requires practices (and other regulated care providers) to prove that: they have “sufficient numbers of suitably qualified, competent, skilled and experienced persons” their staff receive “appropriate support, training, professional development, supervision and appraisal as is necessary to enable them to carry out the duties…

You may or may not have read my previous blogs giving a PPG Chairman’s perspective of a CQC inspection, but I promised a final installment to review our report. Observant ones among you will wonder why the delay, especially considering the first two blogs were published last Autumn? With Spring now sprung the simple answer:…

NHS inspectors are pushing through massive increases in fees to practices and NHS trusts, it has been announced. The Care Quality Commission made its announcement 12 months after running a consultation on the proposals. It will mean costs for a medium size GP practice reach nearly £5,000 – increasing by £1,953 to £4,526. The fee…