Pressure ramps up on CQC to suspend inspections

NHS Confederation has called on the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to suspend planned inspections of front-line services so busy staff can focus on the coronavirus outbreak.

NHS Confederation told HSJ it will write to CQC chief executive Ian Trenholm, asking for the regulator to immediately call off inspections over fears the visits could pull staff’s focus from the covid-19 outbreak.

NHS Confederation Chief Executive Niall Dickson told HSJ: “Our members recognise the value of regulation but given the current and future impact of covid-19 infections on front-line services, a temporary suspension of planned inspections would be the right move."

“Front-line staff and managers do not need any distraction as they confront one of the greatest challenges the NHS has faced in its history.”

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Source: HSJ, 11 March 2020