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The BaxCQC backstory

Back in 2020… 

In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, Baxendale’s network partners, Mark Mikhail and Alex Armstrong, founded a unique service, which was designed to help surgical clinicians navigate the complex CQC registration process necessary to open private surgeries. Leveraging their combined expertise in CQC compliance and their clinical experience as plastic surgeons, they established MA Healthcare, a consultancy that quickly found its niche in the market.  

During 2022… 

Their service aligned with our own Baxendale ethos and values to transform and improve health and care outcomes. This is why back in 2022 I began supporting Mark and Alex with the delivery of comprehensive support for CQC registration, which typically takes around six months. The service included everything from registering on the CQC portal and developing necessary policies, to offering personalised guidance through CQC queries and interview preparation. This hands-on, all-inclusive approach made it an invaluable resource for fellow clinicians seeking to establish their private practices. 

What started as a collaboration quickly became a natural acquisition journey, during which I immersed myself in understanding how the service worked whilst identifying opportunities to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness. As Mark and Alex gradually shifted their focus back to clinical work in the post-Covid landscape, it became evident that Baxendale was a natural fit to take over and continue growing the service. The founders have stayed close by supporting the consultancy as clinical advisors in the background and together, playing to our individual strengths, we continue delivering exceptional value to our clients.   

Throughout 2023 and Q1, Q2 and Q3 of 2024… 

We have been busy implementing our business plan and setting the stage for BaxCQC's success. Key initiatives included: 

  • Re-branding to BaxCQC: To reflect the new direction and ownership, we re-branded MA Healthcare as BaxCQC and developed a new website and service brochure to showcase our services.  
  • Policy refresh and development: We updated and refined existing operational policies and created new policies required for the CQC, to ensure they remain relevant and effective. 
  • Service development: Recognising the ongoing challenges of compliance, we introduced a new compliance service. This service helps clients understand CQC requirements on an ongoing basis, and ensures they stay ahead of regulatory demands. 
  • Expansion into other healthcare sectors: In addition to enhancing our core services, we expanded into other healthcare areas, such as radiology and general practice. By collaborating with specialists in these fields, we broadened our expertise and service offerings.  
  • Investment in a software solution: We implemented a comprehensive software platform that centralises all registration-related documents and policies. This solution streamlines communication and tracks progress, significantly improving the user experience. 

Q4 Onwards… 

As a Senior Consultant at Baxendale, I typically lead transformational projects, primarily within the healthcare estates sector. While there are commonalities in driving change, the opportunity to develop BaxCQC was outside of my usual scope. The journey has however been incredibly rewarding, offering me the chance to collaborate with a fantastic team of experts and really influence the shape and direction of the business.   

It is with great pleasure that I officially announce the launch of BaxCQC! I am excited to see the positive impact it will make and remain committed to contributing to its continued growth. 

To ensure continued excellence in service management, we have brought on Tracy Green, a CQC expert, to lead and manage BaxCQC. Tracy's deep understanding of CQC regulations will be instrumental in maintaining high standards and adapting to future regulatory changes.  

With these foundational pieces in place, we are ready to move forward and make a significant impact in the healthcare sector. Our journey from MA Healthcare to BaxCQC represents not just a change in name, but a commitment to ongoing improvement, innovation, and support for our clients. As BaxCQC, we are excited to enter this new chapter, equipped with the tools, expertise, and team to deliver exceptional service and support in the CQC registration process and beyond. 

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