Hi Corrina. I used to provide H&S training to GP Practice Managers across the SE on behalf of a college. More recently I have some familiarity with CQC within the LA care sector. As far as I could establish, the requirement is broadly "safe environment". I was unable to find any specifics, although I would expect fire standards to be looked at. Could always tell when CQC (or previous CSCI) was due as there would be a flurry of requests for "first aid policy", "risk assessment" "fire policy" and all sorts of other assorted (and non-existent as such) documents. Never got any feedback. I suspect the best way to deal with these may be to take the time to write a summary of the approach to H&S at the site, with basic supporting evidence (organisational policy) either with it, or referenced with location. Two things to bear in mind: The main focus is client or patient wellbeing (not staff), and the inspectors are unlikely to have any particular H&S interest or knowledge. Some (Ofsted too) can have a particular bee in bonnet, so they may ask to see 'all' risk assessments, for example. I think you are right in your assumption - try the summary to offer as a starter, as I suspect that may be enough. It could also provide a template if it works! When I did the training, first aid was always an odd one, as PMs assumed just being a premise full of medical stuff and people would be enough. Try the customer experience of someone falling badly as they come to the surgery door, and how that would be dealt with (that's not likely to be a CQC enquiry!). They are low on my list of risky workplaces to be honest, especially nowadays. The training interest came about from a HSE prosecution (early 90's under CoSHH) following a 2-year old finding and drinking phenol in a small practice.

Corrina If you haven't already - check out the attached - it will give you a good steer as to what is expected. Agree with other posters though its is broadly a "safe environment" they are looking for and this for patient or "users" primarily. http://www.cqc.org.uk/si...ac_-_dec_2011_update.pdf

The obvious curving ball was to ask for a copy of the H&S Policy statement as most practices have more than 5 employees. Other than that Ian has it about spot on. Where there is drug storage on the premises, especially where there are various practice nurses around, then storage room, storage temperature and issue control this will be added to the list. Bob