The CQC has been ramping up its data collection in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Whilst providers are not currently being required to fill in Provider Information Requests (PIRs) because they have been suspended, the CQC is asking providers to give other information to them, as part of its approach to data collection in light of the coronavirus outbreak.
Residential and nursing homes have already been asked to complete the NHS Capacity Tracker. Domiciliary care providers are being asked to complete a new form “Update CQC on the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19)”.
The CQC asks that providers complete these daily. The requirement to complete the update form is expected to be extended to Shared Lives, extra care and supporting living services in due course. Some providers will need to complete both.
A joint letter to providers from the Care Provider Alliance, CQC, Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England and NHS Improvement on 17 April 2020, confirmed that the data provided correctly by the above methods will be received by local authorities, CCGs and other local bodies which should help providers avoid having to deal with numerous requests for the same data. The letter also explains why the data is being collected:
it is critical that we collectively understand the impact of COVID-19 on the people you care for, your workforce and your ability to deliver services. This is so we can support you to keep the people you care for, and your staff, safe.
To enable us to understand the impact of COVID-19 on the people you care for, your workforce and your ability to deliver services, we need to collect data to ensure resources are targeted most effectively where they are needed
The CQC’s information page was updated on 21 April 2020, confirming the daily notification requirements. There are in addition to the usual statutory notifications. Providers are reminded that usual statutory notifications should continue and there have been some amendments to the existing forms, but the CQC does not expect all cases of coronavirus to be notified.
If providers are unclear on notification requirements, or require any advice on CQC matters more generally, please contact Ridouts on 0207 317 0340 or via email to info@ridout-law.com .
