The Care Quality Commission
  • Doctor
  • Independent doctor

Archived: DMC Healthcare Limited

35-37 Sylvan Grove, London, SE15 1PD (020) 7635 1012

Provided and run by:
DMC Healthcare Limited

All Inspections

10-18 December 2020

During an inspection looking at part of the service

We carried out this announced focused review between 10 and 18 December 2020. The purpose of this review was to assess the providers compliance against the warning notice issued following our inspection of the service carried out between 30 July to 14 September 2020. The full report on this previous inspection can be found by selecting the ‘all reports’ link for DMC Healthcare Limited on our website at www.cqc.org.uk.

Due to the issues associated with the COVID-19 pandemic we undertook remote interviews and review of evidence that the provider submitted to us electronically.

At this review we found the service had made significant improvements with regard to the monitoring of certain patient groups prescribed a particular medicine to treat severe acne and was compliant with the warning notice issued we had issued following our last inspection.

Our key findings were:

  • The new clinical governance structure which had just been implemented at the time of our last inspection was still in place, including the national and regional clinical lead roles, which were all part time roles. However, we found that the roles and responsibilities of the regional and national leads were not clearly defined or understood by all staff.
  • The service had reviewed and updated their standard operating procedures (SOPs) with regard to prescribing and patient monitoring requirements for this particular medicine. The service was in the process of reviewing and introducing new systems and processes.
  • We found that leaders had shared information about changes to policies and procedures with staff but there was no clear process for assurance that all staff including clinicians had read and understood the revised protocols.
  • Leaders in the service were assuring themselves that the systems for prescribing and monitoring patients prescribed this medicine were operating correctly through audits.
  • Review of this particular medicine was a standing agenda item on the two weekly clinical governance meeting agenda.

We are mindful of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on our regulatory function. This meant we took account of the exceptional circumstances arising as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic when considering what enforcement action was necessary and proportionate to keep people safe as a result of this inspection. We will continue to discharge our regulatory enforcement functions required to keep people safe and to hold providers to account where it is necessary for us to do so.

Dr Rosie Benneyworth BM BS BMedSci MRCGP

Chief Inspector of Primary Medical Services and Integrated Care

30 July to 14 September 2020

During an inspection looking at part of the service

(Please see the specific details on action required at the end of this report).

The areas where the provider should make improvements are:

  • The provider should continue to review and improve the way that significant events and incidents are identified, recorded, investigated and the learning from these shared.

We are mindful of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on our regulatory function. This meant we took account of the exceptional circumstances arising as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic when considering what enforcement action was necessary and proportionate to keep people safe as a result of this inspection. We will continue to discharge our regulatory enforcement functions required to keep people safe and to hold providers to account where it is necessary for us to do so.

Dr Rosie Benneyworth BM BS BMedSchi MRCGP

Chief Inspector of Primary Medical Services and Integrated Care

10 January 2013

During a routine inspection

We did not speak to people using the service because clinics are held on Saturdays.We visited the provider during the week.We gathered evidence of people’s experiences of the service by reviewing satisfaction survey results, comment cards and the complaints log. We found that people who use services were satisfied with the service delivered. One person wrote a thank you letter to the doctor.

We reviewed eight records and found recorded that before people received any care or treatment they were asked for their consent and the provider acted in accordance with their wishes.

Care and treatment was assessed, planned and delivered in line with individual care plans.

People were protected from unsafe or unsuitable equipment as the provider had equipment that was fit for purpose and properly maintained. We viewed maintenace records and policies for maintenance.

Staff records and other records relevant to the management of the services were accurate and fit for purpose. The provider had an accurate record with appropriate information about the care and treatment provided to people who use services.

Records were kept securely, retained for periods specified by our guidelines. Records were securely destroyed.

There were effective recruitment and selection processes in place. We viewed staff records. Appropriate checks were undertaken before staff commenced work.