How to pass tougher tests
Doctor managers and hospital representatives were advised to ensure they read the new CQC regulations and its latest inspection reports and then assess how they would fare.
Former hospital group boss Stephen Collier (right), chairman of the NHS Partners Network, prescribed some needy medicine for those who are anxious about upcoming CQC visits.
He advocated the following ‘well-led organisation’ check-list:
Is there a clear governance structure that includes the operational head of the organisation?
Are responsibilities and accountabilities clear and effective?
Is there a pro-active approach?
Does the organisation breathe quality and safety or is it just lip-service?
Do things change in response to experience?
Is the culture positive and open – are staff supported and do they feel so?
Mr Collier challenged hospitals and units to assess their culture by assessing whether it was really open and fair and supported learning and innovation.
He advised managers to check policies and implementation at the sharp end, to monitor levels of challenge and assurance in practice, and to check the front line. What was the care really like?
Staff communication was vital. What did staff really think? Did they believe nobody ever listened to them? Did they think the organisation was really run for profit, not for patients?
- See ‘Clipboard army’
- See ‘Inspectors value honesty’