Across the UK health sector, workforce well-being has become a central concern in discussions about quality of care. Rising workloads, persistent staffing gaps, and constant time pressures are leaving many healthcare professionals exhausted. This is not just an occupational health issue; growing evidence shows that staff stress and burnout directly affect patient safety, increase the risk of errors, disrupt continuity of care, and reduce overall service quality.
Understanding the Link Between Well-being and Safety
The 2023 NHS Staff Survey found that nearly one in three employees (30.4%) reported feeling ‘burnt out’ because of their work, while almost three-quarters (73.8%) said they faced unrealistic time pressures. Burnout is particularly prevalent among ambulance workers (49.3%) and medical and dental staff (35.3%).
Across both NHS and private healthcare settings, clinicians experiencing burnout are approximately twice as likely to make errors in diagnosis or prescribing (NIHR SPCR, 2023; Imperial College London, 2023). Around 40% of doctors report that at least once a week they struggle to provide sufficient patient care, and nearly 75% claim inadequate staffing as a key barrier to delivering safe, effective care (GMC, 2022/23).
Workforce Strain and Patient Safety
Work-related stress remains a significant challenge across the health system. In the NHS, 45% of staff reported feeling unwell due to stress in the past year, and more than half (57%) admitted to working despite being too unwell to do so. Similar pressures are reported in private hospitals, where smaller teams and high-demand areas, such as elective surgery and diagnostics, often rely on overtime and agency staff to maintain services.
Only a third of NHS staff (32.4%) feel there are enough people to enable them to do their job properly. In both public and private settings, staffing shortages contribute to burnout, drive attrition, and reduce team resilience; ultimately increasing the risk to patients.
Evidence-Based Approaches to Improvement
Research shows that addressing burnout requires system-level solutions rather than individual interventions. Effective strategies include:
- Safe staffing and manageable rotas: Following recommended nurse-to-patient ratios and limiting excessively long shifts reduces fatigue-related errors.
- Monitoring well-being proactively: Regular surveys and pulse checks help identify stress hotspots, allowing timely interventions that improve safety and morale.
- Accessible support services: Confidential counselling, helplines, and peer networks can reduce burnout rates by up to 20% when fully integrated.
- Leadership that prioritises well-being: Teams led by managers who actively support staff well-being show lower turnover and higher patient satisfaction.
- Integrating well-being into safety culture: Embedding staff well-being checks into routine safety huddles ensures that workforce health is treated as integral to patient safety
Building a Safer, Sustainable Health System
Burnout is now recognised as both a workforce and a patient safety issue across the UK healthcare system. Evidence shows that when organisations support staff well-being, through adequate staffing, proactive monitoring, leadership engagement, and accessible support, they not only improve morale and retention but also reduce errors and strengthen the quality of care delivered.
Protecting the health of healthcare staff is therefore essential. It is not just an internal concern: it is a critical step toward a safer, more reliable, and sustainable healthcare system in both the NHS and private sectors.
At Designated Medical, we’re a full-service consultancy for private healthcare clinics and practitioners looking to launch and scale their businesses. Our specialist services include CQC Consultancy (Registration and Compliance), Strategy, Marketing, Finance, Billing, and Medical PA and Practice Management.
- Take advantage of our free 45-min consultation with our experts, who have a proven track record in private practice management, and will be able to provide you with practical help and guidance on building a successful private practice quickly and effectively, to book your session please email info@designatedmedical.com
- Join our Private Practice Success WhatsApp group, a space where you can easily keep in touch, share information and ask questions with colleagues.
- Register for our ‘Building a Successful Private Practice’ series of free webinars.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the healthcare landscape, particularly when it comes to CQC (Care Quality Commission) compliance and patient safety monitoring. At Designated Medical, we have partnered with Healthcare Today on a series of articles and webinars exploring the key challenges and opportunities shaping today’s healthcare landscape. Covering topics such as compliance, workforce management, patient safety, digital transformation, and operational efficiency, the collaboration combines Healthcare Today’s editorial insight with practical expertise from our team of highly experienced healthcare professionals. Together, we aim to provide strategic guidance and real-world solutions that support and empower healthcare providers across the sector.
Here, Dionne Simons, Head of Medical Operations at Designated Medical, and Glen Ferris, Editor-in-Chief at Healthcare Today, share their expertise on how AI can help healthcare providers streamline compliance processes, identify risks earlier, and improve patient outcomes. With more than 20 years of experience in private healthcare operations, Dionne offers practical, hands-on strategies for implementing AI-driven compliance solutions. Glen brings more than 25 years of healthcare journalism experience, providing deep insight into industry trends.
Challenges with CQC Compliance
CQC compliance is one of the most time-consuming and complex responsibilities for healthcare providers. Practices face heavy documentation requirements, continuous audits, and an overwhelming amount of data from patient records, incident reports, and staffing logs. These tasks can take valuable time away from patient care and leave teams reacting to issues rather than preventing them.
How Can AI Help?
Continuous Compliance
AI streamlines documentation by automatically scanning and updating records so practices are always inspection-ready without the last-minute rush.
Real-Time Risk Detection
Through advanced data analysis, AI can identify early warning signs of potential issues, such as staffing shortages, infection risks, or clinical errors, before they escalate.
Evidence Preparation
Compliance leads often spend days pulling together safeguarding records and audit reports. AI can compile this documentation overnight, creating an inspection-ready pack in minutes.
Enhancing Patient Safety
AI supports clinical teams with tools for real-time monitoring, medication safety checks, and incident analysis. These systems help detect risks early, cross-check prescriptions for safety, and identify trends to prevent future problems.
From Reactive to Proactive Compliance
AI enables continuous monitoring, allowing teams to focus on improving care quality rather than simply responding to issues. This approach saves time and provides a competitive edge, particularly in private healthcare settings.
Considerations Before Implementing AI
Adopting AI requires careful planning. Practices must consider staff buy-in, ethical concerns such as bias, compliance with GDPR and CQC expectations, and organisational readiness. Engaging doctors, compliance leads, and digital transformation leaders early in the process is essential for success.
The Future of CQC Compliance
AI has the potential to transform compliance management, making processes faster, more efficient, and more accurate. By automating tasks and providing real-time insights, AI empowers healthcare teams to deliver safer care and maintain high standards.
Key benefits include:
- Streamlined documentation and audits
- Early detection of risks
- Automated evidence preparation
- Proactive, data-driven compliance management
As AI continues to develop, it will play an increasingly important role in supporting healthcare providers and safeguarding patient wellbeing.
Next Steps
- Take advantage of our free 45-min consultation with our experts, who have a proven track record in private practice management, and will be able to provide you with practical help and guidance on building a successful private practice quickly and effectively, to book your session please email info@designatedmedical.com
- Join our Private Practice Success WhatsApp group, a space where you can easily keep in touch, share information and ask questions with colleagues.
- Register for our ‘Building a Successful Private Practice’ series of free webinars.
Upcoming Webinar
Topic: Burnout and Patient Safety – Managing Workforce Wellbeing to Improve Outcomes
Date: Wednesday, 29 October, 12.30 to 1.30 PM
Whether you’re launching a new private practice or already running one and seeking additional support, the journey is both exciting and financially demanding. Balancing patient care with the realities of managing a business requires careful planning and a strong financial foundation.
A well-structured financial strategy is essential; not only to cover start-up or ongoing operational costs, but also to ensure long-term growth and stability. From setting realistic revenue goals and tracking cash flow, to optimising billing systems and managing overheads, every financial decision plays a critical role in the success of your practice.
By taking a proactive approach, you’re not just maintaining a practice; you’re building a resilient, profitable business that reflects your values, supports your patients, and adapts to the needs of your community.
At Designated Medical, our experts provide the financial and operational guidance you need, offering a clear roadmap to strengthen your practice, improve efficiency, and maximise sustainability.
Ready to build a stronger foundation? These are our top tips for clinicians in private practice:
Planning for Success: ACTOMS Framework
The ACTOMS framework helps structure your planning:
- Ambition: What are you aiming to achieve?
- Challenges: What hurdles must you overcome?
- Target Audience: Who are your ideal patients?
- One Key Message: What is the core idea you want to communicate?
- Media: What channels will you use to reach your audience?
- Success: How will you define and measure success?
Business Planning and Financial Management
A robust business plan and detailed budget are key to sustainability. This should cover:
- Revenue streams (consultations, tests, procedures, product sales)
- Cost of sales
- Overheads (staff, rent, IT, legal, marketing)
- Key resources and partners (e.g. management systems, recruitment, insurance)
A Business Model Canvas is a useful tool to map out your operations, value proposition, customer segments, and more.
Competitive Positioning and Pricing
Understanding your competitors and their market positioning is essential not just for differentiation, but for maximising your practice’s financial performance. Determining where your clinic sits – premium vs. affordable, generalist vs. specialist – helps shape your brand, pricing strategy, and marketing approach in a way that drives revenue and supports long-term growth.
When setting your fees, carefully consider direct costs, market demand, your specialisation, and competitor pricing. Avoid aggressive discounting, which can erode profitability, and instead focus on delivering measurable value through high-quality services and patient care. Strategic pricing ensures your practice remains financially sustainable while reinforcing your professional reputation.
Operational Structure and Daily Management
Defining roles and responsibilities is critical for seamless day-to-day operations. A typical clinic team may include a Founder/Clinical Director, Practice Manager, Medical Secretary, clinicians, and administrative support staff. Clarify how each role contributes to the patient journey; from first contact to post-treatment follow-up.
Tracking Success with KPIs
To ensure you’re on the right track, set clear metrics:
- New patient acquisitions
- Website and phone enquiries
- Patient retention and referrals
- Consultation numbers
- Revenue and 5-star reviews
Monitoring these indicators will provide insights into what’s working and where to improve.
Next Steps …
- Take advantage of our free 45-min consultation with our experts, who have a proven track record in private practice management, and will be able to provide you with practical help and guidance on building a successful private practice quickly and effectively, to book your session please email info@designatedmedical.com
- Join our Private Practice Success WhatsApp group, a space where you can easily keep in touch, share information and ask questions with colleagues.
- Register for our ‘Building a Successful Private Practice’ series of free webinars.
Stepping into private practice is an exciting and empowering move, however it’s also a major shift that requires more than just clinical expertise. Whether you’re looking to escape NHS burnout, build a more flexible career, or create something truly your own, making the transition from doctor to businessperson demands clarity, planning, and the right support.
Here Dr Lavan Baskaran, highly respected private GP and one of the Director’s of Cinnamon Healthcare, known for his holistic approach to patient care and commitment to innovation in healthcare delivery, shares an overview of his journey from NHS clinician to private practice leader.
Lessons from Lavan’s Private Practice Journey
Key insights:
- It’s important to embrace both NHS and private practice roles; show that it’s possible to do both with balance and impact
- Build a values-led group practice with close colleagues and friends, prioritising trust, collaboration, and a non-toxic environment
- Learn through experience – openly share mistakes and growth moments to support others starting out
- Advocate for building a fulfilling career with multiple income streams and a strong support network
Why Move into Private Practice?
- Greater control over patient care and workload
- Escape from NHS bureaucracy
- Potential for meaningful impact and increased job satisfaction
- Create a personal brand or niche within healthcare
- Opportunity to innovate and build a team culture on your own terms
- Greater control over patient care and workload
Vision, Structure and Set-Up Move
- Define long-term goals (e.g. number of clinics, ideal work-life balance)
- Clarify value proposition: what makes your clinic unique in the market?
- Conduct competitor analysis
- Understand financial foundations: revenue, overheads, cost of delivery
CQC Registration and Regulatory Pathways
- Understand the CQC registration process and timelines
- Alternative route: practising privileges
- Importance of documentation, interviews, and policy development
- Being well-prepared to save time and reduce stress
Clinic Growth and Daily Operations
Transitioning from solo practitioner to team-based care:
- Considerations for staffing: employee vs. freelance/contractor
- Managing clinical, commercial, and compliance responsibilities
- Role of support staff: Medical PAs, admin, accountants, marketing
- Considerations for staffing: employee vs. freelance/contractor
Key Takeaways
- Start with a clear vision and long-term goals
- Invest in planning and preparation, especially around CQC
- Define your unique value in a competitive market
- Build a strong support team early on
- Private practice offers flexibility, fulfilment, and long-term potential if approached strategically
Dr Lavan Baskaran’s path into private practice offers a first-hand insight into the realities of building a business as a clinician. From navigating the challenges of setting up a group practice to balancing NHS commitments with private work, his journey highlights the importance of vision, partnership, and adaptability.
The team at Designated Medical is proud to have supported Dr Baskaran and his fellow directors at Cinnamon Healthcare on their private practice journey. We value our ongoing collaboration and look forward to contributing to their continued success in the future.
Ready to get started?
Next steps…
- Speak to the Designated Medical Team – take advantage of our free 45-min consultation with our experts, who have a proven track record in private practice management, and will be able to provide you with practical help and guidance on building a successful private practice quickly and effectively, to book your session please email info@designatedmedical.com
- Join our community of practitioners on WhatsApp who are moving into private practice and share ideas and knowledge.
- Register for our ‘Building a Successful Private Practice’ series of free webinars.
- Next webinar: ‘Planning Your Exit – Retirement Strategies for UK Doctors’ on Thursday 18th September 2025 at 6:30pm.
As the demands on healthcare professionals continue to rise, doctors – particularly those balancing NHS responsibilities with the pressures of building a private practice – often find themselves stretched thin.
Here Designated Medical’s expert, Dionne Simons, Head of Medical Operations with more than 20 years’ experience in private healthcare management, shares how Medical and Virtual Personal Assistants (PAs) can play a crucial role in easing the burden and helping doctors regain valuable time and focus.
The Rising Challenge of Being a Doctor in 2025
With rising patient numbers, longer NHS waitlists, and the added responsibility of managing a private practice, today’s doctors are under immense pressure. Many report working late nights, facing decision fatigue, and sacrificing personal time, which are classic warning signs of burnout.
Signs You Might Need Support
If you often feel:
- Overwhelmed and stressed
- Stuck working evenings and weekends
- Disconnected from family or patients
- Struggling to sleep or stay organised
…it may be time to reassess your workload and consider bringing in a PA.
Medical PA vs Virtual PA – What’s the Difference?
Both roles offer vital support, but cater to different needs:
Medical PA
Ideal for clinical environments, they assist with:
- Preparing patient notes and consultation follow-ups
- Managing referrals, test results, and discharge summaries
- Ensuring documentation is accurate and compliant
- Freeing up time for research or complex cases
Virtual PA
Focused on administrative and lifestyle tasks, such as:
- Diary and email management
- Booking travel and events
- Handling expenses and personal errands
- Supporting work-life balance and even digital presence
The Added Value of a Practice Manager
As your clinic grows, so do your operational needs. A Practice Manager can oversee:
- Finances and KPIs
- Team and supplier coordination
- IT and communication systems
- Marketing strategies and CQC compliance
Where to Start: Audit and Delegate
Getting help starts with awareness. Spend an hour reviewing your weekly and monthly tasks. What can you delegate? Whether it’s booking appointments, managing your inbox, or clinical documentation, support is out there.
Designated Medical’s Solution
We offer expert guidance to help you build a successful private practice. Our services include:
- Medical and Virtual PA resourcing
- Practice setup and CQC registration
- Financial planning and billing
- Marketing and brand development
Ready to Reclaim Your Time?
Burnout isn’t inevitable. With the right support, doctors can refocus on patient care and enjoy a healthier work-life balance.
Next steps…
- Speak to the Designated Medical Team – take advantage of our free 45-min consultation with our experts, who have a proven track record in private practice management, and will be able to provide you with practical help and guidance on building a successful private practice quickly and effectively, to book your session please email info@designatedmedical.com
- Join our community of practitioners on WhatsApp who are moving into private practice and share ideas and knowledge.
- Register for our ‘Building a Successful Private Practice’ series of free webinars.
Setting up your own private medical practice can be one of the most rewarding steps in your professional career, however it comes with its challenges. One of the most crucial areas to get right from the start is CQC compliance. Getting this wrong could set your practice back months, cost you financially, and impact patient trust. However, with the right preparation and approach, it can become a core strength of your clinic.
Here Designated Medical’s experts, Dionne Simons, Head of Medical Operations, with more than two decades in private healthcare management, and Sarah Robinson, an experienced CQC Registered Manager, who successfully led The Harley Street Dermatology Clinic through inspections and audits, break down how to prepare for your first CQC inspection and maintain ongoing compliance with confidence.
Why CQC Compliance Matters
Whether you’re just leaving the NHS or already running a small practice, CQC (Care Quality Commission) compliance isn’t a one-time hurdle; it’s a continuous journey. It ensures your service is safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led – the five key domains that CQC uses to evaluate healthcare providers.
From registration to inspection and beyond, building systems and a culture that meet these standards will help your practice grow with integrity and confidence.
Compliance: Where to Begin
The first step is understanding the Fundamental Standards set out by CQC, which include:
- Person-centred care
- Dignity and respect
- Safety and safeguarding
- Consent, staffing, governance, and more
You’ll also want to be familiar with Quality Statements, which serve as commitments that align with the 5 Key Questions asked during inspections:
Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive, and Well-Led.
Building a Culture of Compliance
Compliance isn’t just about ticking boxes; it should be embedded into the DNA of your practice. Here’s how to build a culture that supports ongoing success:
- Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): These serve as your blueprint for quality care and compliance.
- Involve Your Team: Everyone should understand the importance of compliance from the outset.
- Training and Onboarding: Make compliance a part of every new hire’s induction.
- Regular Check-ins: Schedule weekly or monthly meetings to review compliance topics and improvements.
- Delegate with Purpose: Assign responsibilities clearly and follow up regularly.
Proving It: The Power of Evidence
One of the golden rules in CQC compliance: If it’s not documented, it didn’t happen.
That’s why maintaining a comprehensive evidence folder is essential. Here’s what you should include:
- Policy reviews
- Incident logs and outcomes
- Patient feedback
- Cleaning schedules, temperature checks
- Training records and meeting minutes
- Certification tracking (e.g., PAT testing, insurance, ICO registration)
Preparing for Your First Inspection
Expect to receive around two weeks’ notice for your first inspection. Preparation is key. Here’s how to be ready:
- Organise evidence folders (digital or physical) mapped to each CQC domain.
- Ensure your entire team is trained and aware of their roles.
- Run mock inspections or spot checks.
- Prepare STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories for interview questions, such as:
“Can you give an example of how you improved safety?”
S – We had repeated issues with incorrect sharps disposal.
T – I needed to reduce risk and improve staff practice.
A – I ran refresher training, added signage, and updated our induction.
R – No further incidents for 6 months, and staff felt more confident.
Real-World Success: Harley Street Dermatology Clinic
Sarah shares the key steps she undertook to lead The Harley Street Dermatology Clinic through its CQC journey:
- Implemented robust governance and compliance systems
- Focused on training and evidence tracking
- Created a culture where quality was everyone’s responsibility
- Embedded daily practices that ensured ongoing CQC readiness; not just at inspection time
Are You Inspection-Ready?
A good rule of thumb:
“Would I feel confident if a CQC inspector walked in today?”
If the answer is no, it’s time to reassess.
Summary
- Compliance is ongoing, not a one-time checklist.
- Start with a full audit to uncover gaps.
- Embed compliance in your culture from Day 1.
- Document everything – if it’s not evidenced, it doesn’t exist!
Next steps…
- Take advantage of our free 45-min consultation with our experts, who have a proven track record in private practice management, and will be able to provide you with practical help and guidance on building a successful private practice quickly and effectively, to book your session please email info@designatedmedical.com
- Join our Private Practice Success WhatsApp group, a space where you can easily keep in touch, share information and ask questions with colleagues.
- Register for our ‘Building a Successful Private Practice’ series of free webinars.