Quality Care Commission Registration
6th November 2009
GP practices are going to be required to register with the CQC between April 2011 and April 2012.
This will involve the payment of an annual fee, which in itself is an unwelcome financial imposition, but additionally, and more importantly, this is going to mean that CQC inspectors will be looking at GP premises in the light of their regulations. Whilst many GPs might wish to improve their premises this is not always practical or affordable, and it is far from clear that PCT funding will be available. There could be a significant financial impact for GP practices.
However, there is some good news on surgery premises funding for GP training practices who may be eligible to upgrade their facilities for training through funding available from the Department of Health. The cash would need to be spent on upgrading existing premises to ensure appropriate accommodation for GP registrar placements. The money for practices in England has to be spent by 31 March 2010, so practices who have not yet made applications need to push ahead with this.
Contact Whittingham Riddell's specialist Healtchare Team on 01743 273 273
