CQC Inspection Report

CASE STUDY

Dr X was the registered manager of a private clinic specialising in circumcisions with 3 premises across the UK. 

The GMC opened an investigation into Dr X after being informed that their London clinic had been rated inadequate and placed into ‘special measures’ by the CQC. The concerns were wide ranging and related to consent, record keeping, storage of anaesthetics and staff training. 

At a similar time, Dr X’s other premises were inspected by Health Inspectorate Wales and Healthcare Inspection Scotland which also recognised that improvement was necessary.

The GMC sought to promote a total of 17 allegations against Dr X arising from the CQC Inspection Report and subsequent Health Inspectorate Wales and Healthcare Inspection Scotland reports.

MDS ADVICE & OUTCOME

During the GMC’s evidence collection stage, MDS worked with Dr X to ensure that they had taken all recommendations, requirements and areas of improvement on board. 

MDS and Dr X produced an action plan to address all of the concerns raised and ensured that the focus of the plan was on remediation and showing insight into Dr X’s failings.

Further inspections were undertaken by the CQC, Health Inspectorate Wales and Healthcare Inspection Scotland which highlighted that the majority of the concerns had been addressed. Dr X submitted further action plans to the relevant body and the GMC in relation to the outstanding recommendations.

The GMC Case Examiners concluded the case with no further action.

LEARNING POINTS

• Placing yourself in a position of responsibility for a larger group or organisation can have serious consequences on your own registration. It is important that you recognise the additional responsibilities of your position and ensure you are meeting requisite standards. 

• During a GMC Investigation the evidence collection stage can take quite a while as the GMC liaises with different parties and allows them each sufficient time to respond. This time can be utilised to your advantage to remediate concerns by creating action plans, attending courses and reflecting on your behaviour depending on the nature of concerns. It is important for doctors to be proactive during this time.

• The GMC can receive information from a number of different sources and organisations; individual practitioners should therefore be conscious of how concerns raised by 1 organisation may be viewed by the GMC and if it would be appropriate to self-refer. 

• You should ensure that your communications with all relevant regulators or oversight bodies are co-operative and respectful.