What should inspection reports look like? What information should they contain? And can they be all things to all people? In January 2019, the CQC introduced a new adult social care report writing template with the aim of producing “easier to read reports which say more with less words.” We saw a move away from …
On 24 March 2021 the three Chief Inspectors published a joint statement about the CQC’s future approach. In the statement they outline changes that will take effect from April 2021, and what they mean for providers from all sectors. The main message from the statement is that the CQC will continue to respond to risk …
Over the past 2 to 3 years we have witnessed an increasing distaste from the CQC for any form of challenge to their decisions in relation to care services. Added to this the CQC have shown a strong preference to follow registration and enforcement action based on their own devised practices and procedures rather than …
Letters of Intent – A serious threat from the CQC – as published in Caring Times Read More »
At Ridouts, we are seeing an increase in the use of ‘letters of intent’ as the CQC moves away from timetabled inspections towards a more risk based approach. A letter of intent indicates that the CQC has concerns about a service. The will say that the regulator is considering whether to use its powers pursuant …
CQC has updated its guidance for providers on meeting Regulation 20, the duty of candour. The duty of candour was introduced in 2014 in response to concerns raised following investigations into Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust. The regulation puts a legal duty on all health and social care providers to be open and transparent with …
CQC updates guidance on meeting the duty of candour Read More »
On 16 February 2021, Shadow Minister Chi Onwurah asked the Department of Health and Social Care the written question, “… when the Care Quality Commission will resume routine inspections; and how many care homes have not had an inspection for two years or more.” Helen Whatley, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) responded to …
CQC inspection figures confirmed by Department of Health and Social Care Read More »
As published in Caring Times – February 2021 On 7 January 2021, CQC published a formal consultation paper on its new draft strategy that it aims to implement over the next five years. CQC acknowledged that the pandemic has forced the health and social care sector to think differently and stated that the purpose of …
CQC’s draft consultation strategy for 2021 and smarter regulation – has much changed? Read More »
CQC announced a consultation on its new strategy to take it from 2021 and beyond recently. In this article I pull out some key observations from this consultation and what impact they may have on the health and social sector. There are some positive measures proposed by the CQC but the one area which appears …
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 »
Safeguarding allegations are a hazard of the job when you work in health and social care. At Ridouts we are approached regularly by providers who are overwhelmed, frustrated or simply confused about complex safeguarding investigations. Processes to report and manage allegations and then fully investigate them are in place in order to protect vulnerable people. …
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.
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