The concerns with CQC are increasing exponentially with Wes Streeting, the new Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, being ‘stunned’ by the failings and stating that the organisation is ‘not fit for purpose’.
These are messages that have been shouted loud and clear for some considerable time by providers, social care experts, CQC staff and recently by the interim Chief Executive, Kate Terroni.
It does appear that the situation is becoming untenable despite the CQC platitudes and commitments to address the concerns, it may have reached the stage that whatever CQC does now it will not alter the perception of providers, government and public.
However, there will always be a form of regulation to protect the most vulnerable in our society, but what this will look like is at best unclear and at worst unknown. What we need from any regulator is clarity, honesty, trust and a reasonable framework that everyone understands and buys into.
But what should providers do? I would suggest that during times of uncertainty focus on your own quality, use existing criteria, tools and guidance and ‘block out the noise’ around CQC. Get good evidence to support what you are doing, act on what people that use your service, your staff and other people involved say about you. If you do this then whatever criteria the regulator uses, you will be in a strong position.
I have said before, an inspection is an inspection is an inspection – there are going to be no revelations or new things a regulator will look for, but they may be presented in a different way, or have a different focus.