What you’ll learn:
What the CQC actually looks for
A simple checklist to help you spot the gaps
Why compliance is easier when someone else handles it
Staying ahead of inspections
If you are a practice manager or clinic owner, you already know how important CQC compliance is. But knowing it and being ready for it are two different things.
Inspections often come around faster than expected (sometimes with just 14 days notice), and many clinics fall short not because they do not care, but because no one has shown them exactly what to stay on top of. That is where we come in.
Use this checklist as a quick sense check. If any of these make you pause or wince a little, it is probably time to get some help.
1. Is your health and safety policy up to date?
It sounds basic, but we still see policies dated five or ten years ago. Your health and safety policy should reflect your current building, layout, team, and risks. If there has been a change, the document should change too.
2. Have you completed a recent risk assessment?
Risk assessments need to be reviewed regularly, especially after any incident or change in operations. If you have not had one done in the last year or two, you are on shaky ground.
3. Do you have records of fire drills and alarm checks?
You should be able to show that fire alarms are tested weekly, fire drills are held at appropriate intervals, and that any actions are documented and followed up. A tick-box with no date will not cut it.
4. Are your Legionella controls in place and evidenced?
The CQC will expect to see a full Legionella risk assessment along with a scheme of control. That includes regular flushing of low-use outlets, water temperature logs, and cleaning records for taps and outlets.
5. Is your first aid provision compliant and well maintained?
You need the right number of trained staff, evidence of training, and fully stocked first aid kits with contents that are in-date and appropriate for the type of work you do. This often gets overlooked until it is too late.
6. Can you show clear evidence of staff training?
From health and safety, fire safety to safeguarding, staff training must be up to date, documented, and available to show. That means signed training records, not just verbal reassurance.
7. Are your access routes and facilities inclusive and assessed?
Access is not just about ticking the Equality Act box. The CQC will consider how inclusive your practice is in terms of layout, facilities, signage, and approach. Disability access audits are a valuable tool here.
8. Is your visitor book or sign-in system GDPR compliant?
We see this fail more often than you would think. Visitor names should not be visible to others, and you must ensure that any data collected is stored securely and appropriately. A standard sign-in sheet often does not meet the mark, and is the first thing that the CQC inspector picks up on.
9. Are all your fire doors compliant and regularly checked?
Loose hinges, missing intumescent strips, or wedged-open doors are a sure-fire way to rack up issues during an inspection. These checks should be regular and recorded.
10. Do you feel confident answering a CQC inspector’s questions?
The ultimate test. If the idea of a pop-in visit makes your stomach turn, that is a sign you need someone to walk you through it all and give you confidence in your systems and setup.
Take the pressure off your shoulders
CQC compliance does not need to be a panic-inducing process. In fact, once everything is in place, it is pretty straightforward.
The problem is, most clinics do not have the time, headspace, or specialist knowledge to keep on top of it all. That is where Ian and the team at DAM come in.
They will take care of the whole DAM thing. You can get on with running your clinic, knowing your compliance is in expert hands.
Call the team today and take the worry off your plate.
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