No matter what business you operate, the notification of an inspector’s visit always seems to yield an uneasy, gut wrenching feeling and possible panic mode kicks in! All the questions surface: ‘Where do I start?’ ‘What do I need to know?’ ‘How do I prepare?’.
The best advice is to keep on top of the requirements of your practice from day one, ensuring your processes and procedures are in place and workable. You should know your Quality System well and show that it reflects your business model. Your employees must know the procedures detailed within your system. They must know their job roles and be aware of how to raise concerns about practices within the business or implement changes in procedures. You should have a robust complaints procedure where complaints raised are investigated, followed through and corrective actions put in place to prevent reoccurrence.
When notified of a visit, follow the guidelines governing your business and honestly risk assess your procedures. Are you compliant? Check your previous inspection report. Have you addressed findings on your previous inspection?
To avoid nervous disposition, don’t wait for the letter of notification! Assess your business now!
Written by Puveshni Pillay