https://club.hcqc.co.uk/c/self-audits/edit-lesson/sections/517637/lessons/2621131
Legionella bacteria can cause serious illness, including Legionnaires’ disease — a severe and potentially fatal type of pneumonia. While rare, outbreaks are preventable with good governance, regular checks, and clear accountability.
In general practice, water safety isn’t just a facilities issue — it’s a patient safety issue. Many people who visit your practice may already be more vulnerable to infections, including the elderly, those with chronic conditions, and people with compromised immune systems.
The Water Safety and Legionella Risk Management Audit helps ensure your practice is not only compliant on paper but genuinely protecting patients, visitors, and staff. It provides assurance by checking whether:
- A current Legionella risk assessment is in place and regularly reviewed
- Water temperatures are monitored, recorded, and acted upon if outside safe ranges
- Flushing regimes and maintenance schedules are being followed consistently
- Staff understand their role in maintaining water safety and preventing bacterial growth
CQC Relevance
This audit supports several CQC ‘We’ statements, including:
- Safe environments – Detecting and controlling risks in the care environment
- Governance, management and sustainability – Clear responsibilities, roles, and systems of accountability
- Learning culture – Investigating concerns thoroughly and embedding good practices
Why It’s Important
Without a structured process, it’s easy to assume your water systems are safe. But CQC inspectors will expect to see evidence — not just verbal reassurance. That means risk assessments, monitoring records, and clear procedures for responding to any concerns.
This audit moves you from hoping your systems are safe to knowing they are — and provides the documentation to prove it. It also strengthens team ownership, ensuring water safety is understood as a shared responsibility across the practice.
Click the link below to join our Inner Circle today for just £1 for your first month and unlock full access to every CQC audit — your essential toolkit to feel fully prepared and inspection ready! 👇
