THE Care Quality Commission has announced details of how it will adjust its regulatory activity in England for the rest of winter to help increase capacity in both adult social care and the NHS.
This will involve responding only to the most serious risks in NHS organisations.
GP provider inspections will only be carried out where there is a high risk of harm to people using services. The CQC says: “We will identify this risk through data, information of concern we receive and intelligence we share with NHS England. The decision to inspect during this time will be made at the highest level by our Chief Inspector.”
This means pausing some previously planned inspections of GP providers (including NHS and independent sector providers working with the NHS, out-of-hours, NHS 111 and urgent care services).
The CQC will also pause monitoring calls with GP providers, “other than in situations of the highest risk”.
Inspection of hospital services will also be limited to NHS organisations where there is a high risk of harm to people. This includes NHS acute hospitals, ambulance, community health and NHS 111 services.
Inspection of mental health services will continue as planned due to the high prevalence of risk.
Inspections and monitoring of dental and other primary medical services will also continue as planned.
This page was correct at the time of publication. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.
Save this article
Save this article to a list of favourite articles which members can access in their account.
Save to library