GP practices sign up for CQC registration software
Released 16/01/2012
GPC chief announces that most GP practices are “ready for registration” as over a thousand GP practices have bought software to prepare for CQC registration
The software allows GP practices to determine whether practise procedures are compliant with CQC requirements
Over 1,000 GP practices have bought software costing hundreds of pounds in order to prepare for the registration to the CQC (Care and Quality Commission), despite assurances form the body that third-party software is unnecessary.
Software company IQ medical has said that it has received orders for its iQ CQC Management system from practice manager groups, CQCs, PCTs and hundreds of GP practices.
The software allows GP practices to determine whether practise procedures are compliant with CQC requirements and log the history of staff training.
Graham Poulter, MD of iQ Medical, said: "It's now only nine months until registration commences, and more and more practice managers are now looking for a solution to the compliance process.
“The registration element may have been simplified, but compliance definitely has not, and ideally it will need to be in place by September 2012.”
Poulter added: "It is this evidence of training which forms one of the most critical parts of practices' direct evidence in CQC inspections, as it shows that not only are practices' documents up to date, but their staff's knowledge is too. In just over a year, GP practices will have more responsibility than ever before so it is vital that they are prepared.
"For many, the biggest part of this is thorough compliance checking. This system can manage that responsibility for them and, by reducing practice managers' admin levels, free them up to do their valuable job without becoming lost in paperwork."
Meanwhile, former RCGP chairman Professor David Haslam has told GPs that registration with the CQC will not be as traumatic as many believe and that PCTs have worsened reluctance by creating myths about registration.
Haslam has blamed PCTs for promoting speculation that after registration, practices may have to be compliant with certain criteria such as carpets being stripped out, dress codes imposed, waiting room toys destroyed or premises shut down because they lack disabled access.
“There's no truth in that at all,” he stated. “It'll be pared as close to the bone as we can. The aim is to get rid of anything that isn't essential. There was an awful lot of unnecessary stuff for dentists particularly,” added Haslam. “GPs will have a lot of friends who are dentists who have horror stories - but the message is it may have been true, but it won't be true.”
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