CQC inspect and rate GP practices for five key questions as well as against six population groups.
Once rated as inadequate for 1 or more of the 5 key questions or 6 population groups, you have a specified time period for improvement and re-inspection. This will be no later than six months after the initial rating is confirmed. During this period the practice must demonstrate improvement, ahead of another CQC inspection.
If after re-inspection, they have failed to make sufficient improvement, and are still rated inadequate for a key question or population group, the CQC will place the practice into 'special measures' following consultation with NHS England.
Special Measures usually give you six months to improve failing which the registration risks being cancelled.
NHSE support for practices placed into special measures
The NHS England programme in conjunction with RCGP has now been withdrawn.
The Royal College of General Practitioners (RGCP) provide independent peer support to practices that are placed in special measures, at a cost to the practice.
Practices that might be at risk of being placed into special measures are advised to contact their LMC at the earliest opportunity.
How to tackle Special Measures
- Start with the Evidence table: Deal with all the "No"s; then with partial
- Prioritise Clinical; then patient safety; then staff; then premises and equipment (unless any on of the rest are critical)
- Build up evidence and fill gaps
- Ensure you have robust monitoring and continuous compliance
- Keep detailed records of Management Meetings; staff meetings; SEAs, Clinical reviews
