Seeing as many surgeries we do each day, we know there can be a lot of confusion and myths surrounding the CQC audits and agreed principles. We thought to help save you some stress and spending money where its not needed, we’d highlight a few of the myths we’ve heard and CQC’s stance on it.
Myth 1:
I need to replace all my carpets in my surgery with vinyl flooring.
Correction:
No.
Carpets should not be used in treatment and minor surgery rooms. The flooring in clinical areas should be seamless and smooth, slip-resistant, easily cleaned and appropriately wear-resistant. This also applies to all areas where frequent spillage is anticipated. Spillage can occur in all clinical areas, corridors and entrances.
Carpets can be used in areas where the risk of spillage is lower, such as consulting rooms, waiting area, dispensing areas and administrative, storage and meeting rooms.
Where carpets are used in a GP practice, there should be consideration to needs. This includes having appropriate maintenance and cleaning programmes in place. Carpets, including all edges and corners, should be visibly clean, with no blood and body fluids, dust, dirt, debris or spillages. Floors should have a uniform appearance and an even colour with no stains or watermarks. In the event of spillage, the practice should have the appropriate equipment and protocol in place to clean the affected area
Myth 2:
I need to replace all my material curtains with paper curtains.
Correction:
No.
During a CQC audit, the inspectors are looking for:
- curtains which appear visibly clean.
- a system in place to ensure that curtains are cleaned or changed at least once every 6 months.
The CQC does not specifically have guidance to cover curtains in a GP practice.
The guidance states that a practice should follow The Health and Social Care Act 2008, Code of Practice on the prevention and control of infections and related guidance.
Within the code of practice, it states that GP practices should: ‘Provide and maintain a clean and appropriate environment in managed premises that facilitates the prevention and control of infections.’
The code of practice goes on to state: ‘The environmental cleaning and decontamination policy should specify how to clean all areas, fixtures and fittings.’
The guidance also points towards NPSA guidance on infection control which states that: ‘Curtains/blinds should be visibly clean with no blood or body substances, dust, dirt, debris, stains or spillages.’
The guidance also states that curtains and blinds should be cleaned or changed six monthly.
Guidelines by the Infection Control Nurses Association state: ‘There should be a procedure in place for regular decontamination of curtains.’
There is no guidance which states that a GP practice must have disposable paper curtains.
Simple pragmatic guidance based on the evidence is:
- If disposable curtains are used, the date should be clearly entered and they should be replaced six monthly.
- If re-usable curtains used, they should be taken down and cleaned at 60 degrees at least six monthly and immediately when soiled.
- They should be hovered weekly as part of the general cleaning schedule.
- They should be well maintained, free of tears and clear of the floor.
Myth 3:
Everywhere there is a sink i need a great big sign to tell people to wash their hands.
Correction:
No.
The CQC does not require laminated hand washing signs at all hand basins. In addition, there is no national guidance that states hand washing signs should be in place above hand basins. What the CQC would look for in relation to hand hygiene during an inspection is that:
- there is adequate hand washing facilities available and easily accessible to all staff.
- practice staff should notify the practice manager of any lack of hand hygiene products (like hand gels, soap or hand towels) or obstruction to ensure that they remain available at all times (and not obstructed by bins or other equipment).
- all clinical staff are trained in hand washing techniques.
- the practice has thought about risks of inadequate hand hygiene and processes are in place to prevent poor hand hygiene.
Myth 4:
The NHS believes in a paperless office and actively reduces paperwork
Correction:
No!
You have more paperwork, reports and audits to complete than ever before. We think that’s sad as it removes the team away from the patient and keeps them buried in bureaucracy. Our medical and administration staff deserve our trust.
