Could damning CQC review findings trigger a new era of FM scrutiny?
Dr Penny Dash has submitted her interim findings around the operational effectiveness of the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Here’s what you need to know.
Last week, the new Labour Health Secretary Wes Streeting published the interim report authored by Dr Penny Dash into the operational effectiveness of the CQC.
The CQC report publishes damning interim verdict
The report highlighted major issues with the existing system of regulation including:
The report noted a considerable loss of credibility within the health and care sectors about the effectiveness and fairness of the regime.
CQC: “Not fit for purpose”
Following the publication of Dr Dash’s interim findings, Wes Streeting described the CQC as "not fit for purpose" and emphasised the need for immediate action to restore public confidence and improve regulatory effectiveness.
What happens now?
Actions now mandated by the government in light of the report have included:
Appointment of a review leader
The report recommends the appointment of Professor Sir Mike Richards to review CQC's assessment frameworks. Sir Mike Richards has extensive experience, having served as CQC’s first Chief Inspector of Hospitals.
Action to improve transparency
There is a call for greater transparency in how the CQC determines its ratings for health and social care providers. This aims to rebuild trust and ensure fair assessments.
Increased government oversight
The report suggests increased oversight by the government, with CQC required to regularly update the Department of Health and Social Care on progress, ensuring that the recommendations in the final review are implemented.
Review of patient safety organisations
Dr. Dash is also tasked with reviewing the effectiveness of all patient safety organisations, indicating a broader scope for ensuring safety and quality across the healthcare system.
Urgent actions for CQC
The report highlights the need for CQC to overhaul its inspection and assessment system, rapidly improve operational performance, and address issues with its IT systems.
A wake up call for FM teams
The CQC has been given a wake up call following the new government's assessment of its performance.
For those FM teams whose premises and equipment are regulated and inspected by the CQC, this may have the following consequences over the next few years:
1. Increased scrutiny and inspections
Companies might anticipate more frequent and rigorous inspections as the CQC aims to address the shortcomings highlighted in the assessment. This could involve more in-depth evaluations of compliance with quality standards and regulations.
2. Focus on improvement
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The CQC may place a greater emphasis on improvement frameworks and guidance products to support providers in enhancing the quality of care. Companies should be prepared to engage with these resources and demonstrate ongoing improvements in their services.
3. Enhanced data and evidence requirements
With a potential shift towards more intelligence-driven regulation, companies might be called on to provide more comprehensive data and evidence of their performance. This includes being ready to demonstrate compliance through detailed documentation and performance metrics.
4. Collaboration with inspectors
Companies should expect more interaction with CQC inspectors, who may focus on identifying effective practices and areas for improvement. Building a collaborative relationship with inspectors may be vital.
5. Adapting to new regulatory models
As the CQC continues to evolve its regulatory approach, companies should be prepared to adapt to new models and requirements. This might involve staying informed about changes in inspection criteria and regulatory expectations.
Are you ready for an increased level of scrutiny?
Right now, many FM teams operating in the care sector are not using FM software solutions to manage and control their compliance activities effectively.
But in a new era of scrutiny and increased frequency of inspections it could pay to invest in CAFM solutions that can make best practice in H&S reporting, people and asset management "the way you do things".
In the past, CQC audits could be a mad scramble, going through computer drives and emails, trying to find all the required certifications. But with a CAFM, we can pull up those records on demand to evidence compliance. It’s given us peace of mind that we’re fully prepared for inspections—James Clarke, Head of Property, SpaMedica.
If you want to get ahead of the compliance curve, look for tools that can help you automate, digitise and centralise your process in cycles of continual improvement.
How a CAFM can help you get ahead of tougher compliance requirements
1. Centralise your documentation
CAFM systems can help you centralise documentation in a single digital hub. They can give you complete visibility across multi-site operations, automating PPM processes to keep your team on top of tasks, and allowing you to share compliance status and data with auditors in seconds.
2. Improve collaboration and communication
CAFM systems facilitate seamless collaboration between FM teams and contractors. By improving communication, facilities management teams can ensure that any potential issues are addressed promptly, aligning all stakeholders with compliance and operational goals.
3. Focus on asset management
A CAFM system can help you manage assets more effectively, reducing patient risk and ensuring servicing regimes are compliant with appropriate regulations.
4. Enhance data analytics
Utilise the data analytics capabilities of CAFM systems to gain insights into the facility operations. This can help your whole businesses operate in cycles of continual improvement around H&S compliance.
But compliance is never a one-size-fits all process
As you prepare for a more proactive and exacting regulatory regime to take hold in the care sector, look for a CAFM partner who can help you configure and optimise a system that supports the unique way you operate.
Make sure your provider will listen to your needs and work with you to support the specialist maintenance in a caregiving environment that you need to deliver.
This may require creating bespoke workflows, interfaces, reporting dashboards and mobile portals to support different workers with their unique challenges.
Read more about how Expansive supported healthcare provider SpaMedica with their compliance challenges.