refurbishments
Change is in the air
With changes to the health system, practices are having to expand to cover new areas –metaphorically and literally. JULIA DENNISON speaks to the experts to find out what you should consider when planning a much- needed refurbishment of your surgery – from CQC to patient experience
P
rimary care is shouldering a lot. Under a new NHS, practices are expected to take on the tasks of secondary providers, while continuing to offer better than ever general practice. Put a population boom into the mix, and it’s little surprise practice managers are feeling the need to stretch out. Practice refurbishments are on trend, but whether you’re creating more space or complying with new regulations, it’s important to consider the options carefully.
MAKING PROVISIONS With the onset of commissioning, practices are taking the opportunity to extend or improve on their services to compete for contracts. This may seem in contrast with the cash-strapped times we live in, but practices are investing in things like more consulting rooms or specialist clinics in a bid to secure further revenue. “Contrary to the economic climate, we see many of our clients looking to implement these services before the PCTs go in March,” says Ballard, Dale Syree, Watson’s Matthew Watson, head of healthcare at the Droitwich-based accounts. That’s not to say practices aren’t also in need of a cost-effective solution. Creating more space can be cheapest if you work with what
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you’ve got. “This could mean acquiring and converting an adjacent building, converting loft or basement space, or building an extension,” suggests Jacqui Johnson, company manager at GP Surveyors.
CARE WITH QUALITY With the onset of CQC inspections, there are practical changes that need to happen to a practice. Hand disinfectant dispensers at practice exits; no-smoking areas outside; wipeable surfaces where once there was upholstery; larger dedicated waste disposal areas and sign-in stations for fire safety are just some of the things practices are rolling out as a result of the new regulations. “Improvements of storage capacity within clinical settings is also important to help ensure that surfaces are kept free of clutter and easy to wipe down,” recommends Damien Brady of One Medical.
A BETTER CUSTOMER SERVICE As the patient has more say in their own healthcare provision, practices are having to appeal to a newly empowered customer. Clients of Watson’s have found public expectation to be on the rise and “there is a move away from the quaint old GP
management
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