The much talked about General Practice Forward View – published earlier this month – confirmed that the frequency of CQC inspections is to change. Going forward, once all practices have been inspected once, most practices will receive the dreaded visit from inspectors just once every five years. This new, streamlined approach is part of moves…

Professor Steve Field’s practice has seemingly failed to display the earnings of its GPs on the surgery website. A Practice Index member commented, “how very disappointing from one who is of such lofty status. People in glass houses should not throw stones.” NHS England guidance clearly states: From 1 April 2015, it is a contractual requirement…

Talking to a practice manager who also happens to be a CQC inspector – expect an outstanding rating for that practice! – it seems that one of the areas practices frequently fall down on during inspections surrounds Significant Events. “The variation in how these processes are managed in practices is stark,” we were told. “Yet…

So, you knew this was coming, this rant, it’s no surprise really. Yes, CQC has finally decided what they’re going to do in terms of fees for the 2016/17 year. They had a consultation which was pretty one-sided to be frank…”Responses expressed strong preference for achieving full chargeable cost recovery over four years…” Yet, not only…

Practices will face a tripling of fees for inspections in the coming year, it has been announced. GP leaders condemned the increases – although government sources claim they are covered by changes to the practice contract. Some NHS Trusts will also face a near doubling of fees over the next two years. The move has…

The CQC has published a further 91 reports on the quality of care provided by GP practices following recent inspections. Once again the rating given to the overall standard of care being provided rose, with four practices receiving outstanding ratings and 71 rated as good. At the other end of the scale, nine practices require…

Well, CQC came and went – and to be fair, it wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be but let’s go back a couple of weeks to the lead up to the visit… So, we get the phone call, and the follow up email to confirm that four (yes FOUR!) inspectors…