Q. What happens if my practice fails an inspection?

That really depends on the nature of the body who is conducting the inspection.

Most quality assurance programmes (such as Denplan Excel and the BDA Good Practice) expect you to be able to rectify any noted deficiency within a short period of time. If this is not achieved, the practice in question will lose its accreditation until it can be shown that it is taking action to comply with the required essential standards.

More seriously any shortcomings noted by a PCT or its agents may result in sanctions that could include a remedial notice and which could be a prelude to future breach of contract proceedings.

The powers of the Care Quality Commission range from warning notices to conditions on registration to fines and even the closure of services.

Practices registered with the DPL Xtra scheme can obtain an on-site risk assessment, including free risk management modules and clinical audit tools, record card review and report, and a review of the practice’s in-house complaints procedures.

Read about the Safe Practice Healthcheck here