How Globe Locums Can Support During UKAS Inspections

We know as a healthcare agency how stressful UKAS inspections can be; therefore, we are here to offer a solution to help with the increased workload. At Globe Locums, we have candidates with experience, not only in the lab but also candidates who specialise in UKAS Inspections, Quality Management and SOPs. Here, I am going to explore how locums can assist with UKAS inspections, from pre-inspection preparation to post-inspection follow-up.

As you know, UKAS accreditation is a rigorous process, and the inspections that accompany it ensure that healthcare providers and laboratories meet internationally recognised standards.

For many organisations, the process of preparing for and undergoing UKAS inspections can be time-consuming and demanding. This is where locums—short-term or temporary professionals—play a crucial role. Whether it's a laboratory or a healthcare facility, locums with the right qualifications and experience can provide significant support during the accreditation process.

Specialised Expertise for UKAS Standards

UKAS inspects a wide range of facilities, including laboratories, medical centres, and diagnostic services. Each of these services must adhere to specific quality standards, such as ISO 15189 for medical laboratories or ISO/IEC 17025 for testing and calibration laboratories. UKAS inspections are comprehensive, covering everything from the competence of personnel to the accuracy of equipment and the consistency of service delivery.

Locums often bring a wealth of specialised knowledge in these fields, particularly if they have previous experience with accreditation processes. They can offer insights into UKAS requirements, help with document review, and ensure that systems are in place to meet the standards for inspection. Their expertise can be invaluable for organisations that may not have internal staff with the necessary qualifications or experience to navigate the complexities of accreditation.

Pre-Inspection Support and System Evaluation

Before a UKAS inspection, the laboratory or healthcare facility needs to demonstrate compliance with relevant standards. This process often involves an internal audit and system evaluation to ensure that all policies, procedures, and records align with the requirements set by UKAS. For many organisations, this can be a daunting task, particularly if the internal team is already stretched thin.

Locums can assist with pre-inspection support by:

1. Conducting internal audits: Locums with experience in accreditation processes can carry out thorough audits to identify gaps in compliance or areas needing improvement.
2. Reviewing documentation: Ensuring that all policies, procedures, quality control systems, and records are up to date and meet UKAS criteria.
3. Training staff: If necessary, locums can provide training for existing staff to bring them up to speed on specific UKAS requirements or areas of focus in the inspection process.
4. Standard operating procedures (SOPs) development: Locums can help develop or refine SOPs to ensure they align with UKAS standards.
5. Covering in the lab: While permanent staff are getting ready for UKAS, locums can help on the bench to ensure that the lab runs smoothly.

By bringing in locums during this preparatory phase, organisations can be confident that they are meeting the standards expected by UKAS and avoid unnecessary delays or complications during the actual inspection.

Post-Inspection Follow-up and Continuous Improvement

After the inspection, UKAS will provide a detailed report, which may include recommendations, non-conformities, or areas where improvement is needed. The facility is then required to take action on these findings, which could involve revising policies, and procedures, or addressing any gaps in quality management systems.

Locums can assist with the post-inspection process by:

1. Analysing feedback: Reviewing the UKAS report and helping the organisation prioritise corrective actions.
2. Implementing corrective actions: Locums can help implement changes and improvements recommended by UKAS, ensuring that the facility remains in compliance with the accreditation standards.
3. Continuous quality improvement: Beyond the immediate follow-up, locums can contribute to long-term strategies for maintaining high-quality standards and preparing for future inspections.

Additionally, if corrective actions require training or further documentation, locums can step in to provide the necessary support and expertise.

Providing Flexibility in Resource Management

One of the key advantages of using locums during the UKAS inspection process is the flexibility they offer. Many organisations are not in a position to hire full-time staff with specific expertise in accreditation or quality management. Locums, however, can provide temporary support during peak periods, such as when preparing for an inspection or following up on findings.

This flexibility allows healthcare providers and laboratories to access specialised skills without long-term commitments, making it easier to scale resources up or down as needed. Whether it’s for a few weeks or several months, locums can fill gaps in staffing or expertise, ensuring that the organisation meets its UKAS obligations efficiently and cost-effectively.

Conclusion

UKAS inspections are a critical aspect of maintaining high standards in healthcare and laboratory settings. However, the process can be complex, time-consuming, and resource-intensive. Locums provide valuable assistance at every stage of the UKAS inspection cycle, from pre-inspection preparation to post-inspection follow-up. By leveraging the expertise, flexibility, and specialised knowledge of locums, organisations can ensure they remain compliant with UKAS standards, improve operational efficiency, and ultimately provide the highest levels of care and service.

In today’s competitive and regulatory-driven environment, having locums on hand during UKAS inspections is not just a luxury but a smart strategy for ensuring accreditation success and long-term quality assurance.

 If you would like to see who we have available to help assist with an upcoming UKAS inspection, then please contact Maisie at [email protected].