In theory, this statement should be correct. The Inquest process is inquisitorial and its purpose is to establish the facts, not to lay blame. However, in practice, things can and do come out at Inquests which can cause serious damage to service providers. Why should I get involved? Given the nature of health and social …
Matt Hancock announced at the daily briefing on 5 June 2020 that face covering will become mandatory in all NHS hospital settings from 15 June 2020. Hospital staff will have to wear Type 1 or Type 2 surgical masks (or more stringent protection when advised) in all areas except those which have been designated “COVID-secure”. …
The CQC yesterday published statistics which indicate that there has been a significant rise in deaths reported of people with a learning disability and/or autism who are users of services registered with the CQC. Whilst the data used by the CQC has its limitations, the analysis suggests an increase of deaths reported between the period …
CQC Reports alarming rise in deaths of people with learning disabilities and autism Read More »
Our solicitors Caroline Barker, Samantha Cox and Maddi Gaunt discuss Ofsted, its functions and characteristics and how providers might deal with any intervention by this notoriously difficult regulator.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIPNzyUo4zg
The CQC suspended routine inspections in March 2020. According to its letter to social care providers on 16 March 2020 announcing the suspension, this was to support providers and keep people safe in response to the Coronavirus pandemic. It therefore seems that inspections were suspended both for safety reasons, to keep down the risk of …
Are CQC routine inspections likely to recommence? And in what form? Read More »
We know from reports in the press and from our clients that there have been significant disparities between different Local Authorities’ reactions to the covid-19 pandemic in the care sector. In particular, we have seen significant variation how they have allocated and distributed funding support to Adult Social Care providers following central government’s allocation of …
Social care provisions under Schedule 12 of the Coronavirus Act 2020 came into force on 31 March 2020 when The Coronavirus Act 2020 (Commencement No.2) Regulations 2020 became law. Under the 2020 Regulations, Local Authorities have the power to misapply or modify certain duties in the Care Act 2014. The new regime does not apply …
Local Authorities Invoke Care Act 2014 Easements -what does it mean for providers? Read More »
In a statement yesterday by the World Health Organisation Regional Director for Europe, Dr Hans Kluge, it was confirmed that current WHO estimates suggest that up to half of Covid-19 related deaths in Europe have been residents in long-term care facilities. Unfortunately, this is not a huge surprise. A significant proportion of long-term residents of …
The UK government made an Order which partially exempts some independent healthcare providers from existing competition law rules. Chapter 1 of the Competition Act 1998 prohibits organisations from making agreements and certain decisions which have the “object or effect” of restricting competition in the UK. If such agreements are made, under the 1998 Act, they …
The UK formally relaxes competition law rules to facilitate Covid-19 response Read More »
In yesterday’s daily briefing, the Heath Secretary Matt Hancock said he was “determined” to ensure everyone who needed a test had access to one. It is all very well showing determination to have “access” to testing for care staff in theory, but will it work in practice? And will it be too little too late? …
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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