Essential CQC standards

All healthcare professionals understand the importance of cleanliness and infection control, but are you aware of the CQC regulations regarding this?

The CQC framework requires that all GP practices and other primary medical service providers follow every aspect of the guidance detailed in the Health and Social Care Act 2008: The Code of Practice for health and adult social care on the prevention and control of infections and related guidance. GP practices also need to integrate the latest NICE evidence-based guidelines, including the recently updated document CG139 Infection: Prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections in primary and community care and practices are required to regularly check MHRA and other health and safety alerts, and ensure that they are also familiar with NHS Employers health and safety guidance. 

Top tips to support compliance

·         Remember that whilst treatment areas are important when considering infection control don’t forget to pay attention to communal/non-medical parts of the practice.

·         Providers really need to have policies for all areas of the premises, including toilets, waiting rooms and staff areas.

·         GP practises should have a named Infection and Prevention Control lead and deputy. This role is to ensure all staff are adhering to practice policies, arrange audits risk assessment and staff training.

·         Providers must ensure they have a policy that covers all single-use devices.

·         A policy including hand hygiene need to be in place and supported by regular training sessions and training reviews, as well as audits of all hand hygiene products on the premises.

·         Ensure relevant risk assessments are completed and then training delivered as appropriate.  Policies need to be updated and reviewed on a regular basis to ensure efficacy.

·         Providers should have a policy to cover needlestick injuries and ensure the relevant occupational health procedures are in place.

·         A waste management policy should be in place covering all aspects of waste, including general business waste.

·         Plans covering all staff induction and supervision should be in place.

For more advice in CQC compliance contact a member of the Words Worth Reading Ltd team.