What now for deprivations of liberty?
What will the effect of the postponement of the Liberty Protections Safeguards be on local authorities? Local Government Lawyer asked 50 adult social care lawyers for their views on the potential consequences.
SPOTLIGHT |
The Care Quality Commission has unveiled a major shake-up of its inspection regime and plans to develop new fundamental standards in care.
Publishing its strategy for 2013 to 2016, the CQC said it would appoint a Chief Inspector of Hospitals and a Chief Inspector of Social Care and Support. It is also considering creating the role of Chief Inspector of Primary and Integrated Care.
The watchdog meanwhile plans to strengthen the protection of people whose rights have been restricted under the Mental Health Act.
“We are committed to strengthening the protection of people with learning disabilities, whether or not they are detained,” it added.
Other key changes include:
The CQC said the changes would come into effect in NHS hospitals and mental health trusts first.
“This is because we recognise there is an urgent need for more effective inspection and regulation of these services,” it said.
The approach will then be extended and adapted to other sectors between 2014 and 2016.
The Commission stressed that it would always be “on the side of people who use care services and always put their interests first”.
David Behan, CQC chief executive, said; “People have a right to expect safe, effective, compassionate, high quality care. CQC plays a vital role in making sure that care services meet those expectations.
“We recognise that quality care cannot be achieved by inspection and regulation alone – that lies with care professionals, clinical staff, providers and those who arrange and fund local services – but we will set a bar below which no provider must fall and a rating which will encourage and drive improvement.”
Behan added: “In developing our plans for the next three years we have looked closely at what we do and listened to what others have told us, to make sure we focus on what matters to them. The plans also take account of Robert Francis’s report into the failings at Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust and the response by the Secretary of State for Health.”
A copy of the strategy can be viewed here.