COVID-19 testing for CQC inspectors
We take our role in infection prevention and control (IPC) very seriously and have been considering the precautions our inspection teams should take as we increase our on-site activity.
We have consulted with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) about accessing COVID-19 tests for inspectors.
DHSC have considered the matter carefully and have assessed that CQC inspectors do not meet the criteria for weekly asymptomatic testing, as inspectors are not required to undertake ‘hands on’ closer personal contact with people.
This decision also applies to other colleagues undertaking inspection visits, such as specialist advisors and experts by experience.
This approach is in line with what has been agreed with other professionals, and DHSC will continually review their policies in line with emerging evidence. If the evidence means the criteria needs to change, they will advise us accordingly and we will update you.
Our priority is to ensure the safety of people using services, your staff and our colleagues. We are therefore taking the following measures:
- Thorough risk assessments ahead of all inspection and registration visits
- Provision of PPE for colleagues undertaking on-site activity, and training in how to don and doff correctly
- Training in infection prevention and control
We know that some providers are concerned that CQC colleagues will not be having a COVID-19 test before their visits, however we want to assure you that we have considered this carefully and are acting in accordance with advice from DHSC as well as implementing our own IPC measures.
New blog from Dr Rosie Benneyworth
In her new blog for providers and professionals working in primary medical and dental services, Chief Inspector of Primary Medical Services and Integrated Care, Dr Rosie Benneyworth, updates on how we're continuing to develop out regulatory approach. She also discusses a pilot we're undertaking with general practice that we hope will give us more and improved options to gather information from providers.
Read the blog
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