The CQC have launched the first of a series of consultations about how they will introduce significant changes to the way they regulate different care services. As those of you that joined Chris Day at the HealthAssure Network in April will recall they are focused on tailoring the approach to each sector rather than having one size fits all.
As in previous changes to the standards and inspection regimes we are monitoring the regulators plans closely and meeting with the CQC, so that we are in the best position to make an assessment on what the changes mean for CQCAssure, how we respond for the good of our customers.
We will keep you updated on this as details become clearer. Our initial reaction to the consultation document is that HealthAssure has much to offer organisations, we are encouraged by the sentiment to align other standards and frameworks such as the Outcomes Framework and NICE Quality Standards, both of which many customers are using the existing HealthAssure applications to manage. The ‘5 key questions’ will potentially refocus organisations on using HealthAssure for internal assurance as well as compliance; which we fully support. Although the exact details and any likely replacement solution for existing CQCAssure customers is still uncertain we believe our track record and wider solution portfolio (NICEAssure, BoardAssure, SafeCare etc.) will in the light of the Keogh report’s focus on assurance for boards and others on areas such as quality, safety and staffing place our customers in a stronger position moving forward.
The CQC are holding a series of consultation workshops across the country to discuss the proposals and inviting your comments and feedback. If you haven’t already joined a consultation there is still one more session you can join – Wednesday 31 July: Preston – visit https://registration.livegroup.co.uk/thenextphaseproviderjuly2013/ for more information on how you can get involved.
This consultation, which closes on 12 August, focuses on:
- How the CQC will inspect and regulate all care services
- Fundamentals of care – the bar below which no care provider must fall
- Changes to the way CQC will inspect NHS and independent acute hospitals
The full consultation document is here
Don’t forget you can share your thoughts on the proposals and experience of the consultation sessions with other HealthAssure Network members via the LinkedIn group click here
For more information on HealthAssure solutions click here or email [email protected]
