Pulse reports that a GP practice in Solihull has been told, by NHS managers, that their surgery was non-compliant with infection control rules and must have a £300,000 refurbishment in order to prepare for CQC inspection. The PCT would contribute £200,000 but the GP would have to meet £100,000 of the costs.

The practice, told Pulse: ‘The PCT infection control told us the practice would be non-compliant with CQC Outcome 8 and we needed to remove all the carpets, replace all stippled ceilings, remove all the skirting boards and have heavy duty lino going up the walls to become compliant.”

When approached by Pulse with details of the case, a CQC spokesman has said: ‘We won’t refuse any registration just because you don’t have modern or state-of-the-art premises. We’ll only take action if patients are being put at risk by unsafe premises. Equally rumours such as carpets and soft furnishings in waiting rooms will have to be removed due to infection issues control are absolutely false. These are matters that are not likely to cause the CQC any concern, or lead to non-compliance with the essential standards of quality and safety.’


Editor’s Comments:

  • What is interesting is that whilst the CQC has confirmed that they won’t refuse ‘registration’; they have not said whether they will take the same attitude when they come down for an inspection.
  • Do you believe that if an inspector picked up the same point as the PCT, they will be as generous about letting you off the hook?
  • The PCT said ‘It is up to the individual practices to develop and implement an action plan in response to those recommendations. We provide advice and guidance.’ (Not to mention the free £200,000)
  • If someone is gifting you £200,000 and you have to contribute £100,000, perhaps you should make a business decision as to whether this is a profitable proposition for you.
  • Before you spend any money, check the guidance on fixtures and fittings

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