Over 50% of CQC inspections in Adult Social Care are currently triggered by “information of concern” and providers should take note that over 55% of these “risk based” inspections have resulted in a rating of Requires Improvement or Inadequate. Providers should therefore be very wary of any “Information of concern”, which is not limited to …
A Shift In Culture – The key to avoiding Risk-Based Inspections Read More »
An inquest is held to determine the identity of a deceased person and certain circumstances and facts surrounding their death. Its purpose is not, in theory, to apportion blame. However, this is not to say they can’t have serious commercial and reputational repercussions for providers if not carefully handled. Inquests do tend to be a …
Under the CQC’s current approach to focusing inspection activity where they deem there to be a risk, GP practices can expect to start experiencing more negative on-site inspections than they might have been used to, and enforcement activity could become more common. The CQC has various powers of enforcement but one of the most draconian …
As its 2021-2025 strategy has developed, the CQC forewarned us that it would be taking a more flexible approach to inspection activity and ratings. We have been a vocal critic of some of the rigidities of the past regime, but increased flexibility in regulation is not without its pitfalls, and we have been waiting patiently …
A New Approach for CQC Inspectors, Draft Inspection Reports and Ratings Read More »
Emollient Creams – Riskier than you might think? A large care provider was required to pay a staggering £1,041,500 earlier this month, comprising a fine of £937,500 and prosecution costs of £104,000, after pleading guilty to an offence under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. A service user, who was a smoker and used …
Inquests: Be Prepared for the Unexpected A coroner’s inquest can be a difficult and stressful time for providers. What might initially seem a routine death can quickly spiral into a lengthy and complex inquiry, and a world of onerous requests for records and information, placing huge demands on staff resources. The most straightforward cases can …
As we watch with interest as its new regulatory strategy develops, the CQC has announced that they will be carrying out a monthly risk review of most services in the health and social care sector as part of their “Monitoring Approach”. This approach to regulatory activity appears to build largely on the Transitional Monitoring Approach …
Update on CQC Strategy – Monthly Risk Reviews and Monitoring Calls Read More »
As the CQC continue to develop their strategy for 2021, we are seeing a number of practical changes in their approach. It is no secret that they are undertaking more activity based on risk and focusing efforts on services where they perceive concerns have arisen, or patient safety is at risk. It is perhaps then …
CQC Enforcement – An ever increasing risk for providers? Will you be next? Read More »
As part of its 2021 strategy, the CQC has published a consultation which promises a significant shift in its approach to inspections and ratings. This article does not explore these proposals nor the merits of them in detail (although, for future reference we do think there will be a lot to say) but in short, …
CQC Strategy Consultation on Inspections and Ratings – Will more flexible mean better? Read More »
The clock is ticking on the UK’s exit from Europe. As things stand, and assuming the government isn’t able to agree an extension to the transition agreement, this will come to an automatic end at midnight on 31 December 2020 and the UK will leave Europe without a deal. What impact will a “no-deal” Brexit …
No-deal Brexit – what can care providers expect? Read More »
Ridouts is a team of specialist health and social care lawyers, providing dedicated legal advice for care homes, GP practices, children’s homes, dental practices, domiciliary and home care agencies, supported and independent living services and both private and NHS hospitals.
info@ridout-law.com • +44 (0) 207 317 0340
7-10 Chandos Street, W1G 9DQ, London
