The CQC has confirmed that it will continue to only undertake inspection activity in response to a serious risk of harm or where it supports the system’s response to the pandemic.
In an update on its regulatory approach during COVD-19, the regulator for England says that for primary medical services, in addition to undertaking inspection activity where there is a clear risk to safety, inspections will take place in the following circumstances:
- only inspect in response to significant risk of harm (safety or human rights) – including concerns raised by people working in services and people using them – and when we cannot seek assurances through other routes. If an inspection is necessary (subject to review by the chief inspector), as much activity off-site as possible will be carried out off-site
- continue to work jointly with Ofsted to inspect SEND services.
Other areas of ongoing CQC activity include:
- priority registration applications that support the system’s response to COVID-19
- monitoring and review the application of do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DNACPR) decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Providers are asked to put plans in place to mitigate challenges around staffing and availability of clinical resources, in line with national guidance
Support for providers includes:
- Temporary suspension of Provider Collaboration Reviews
- A CQC monthly insight report
The CQC is currently consulting on its future strategy.