The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has taken action against dozens of care providers where the regulator had concerns over care home visits, including potential blanket bans.
Since 8 March, the CQC has undertaken 1,282 inspections. The regulator has found 95 per cent of provider were enabling visiting to happen while action was taken with the remaining five per cent where it had outstanding concerns.
“Concerns have been raised with us about 37 potential blanket bans and we have taken action in every case, including following up with providers, inspecting, raising safeguarding alerts where appropriate and following up with local authorities,” said CQC chief inspector of adult social care Kate Terroni (pictured).
“We expect providers to follow government guidance on visiting where people are entitled to have designated visitors, and where we are made aware that this is not happening we will follow up with the provider and inspect if we consider that there is risk,” she added.
“Where we have any evidence that this is not happening we will continue to take action and are grateful to all those who continue to share their concerns with us.”
The CQC will continue to monitor the situation and support providers to implement the new guidance and investigate concerns when it hears about potential blanket bans as restrictions on care homes are relaxed.
The regulator meanwhile said its inspectors are trained to plan and complete engagement and regulatory activities, including inspections, in such a way that their investigations of anonymous information do not reveal the source of that information.
“Care homes are people’s homes and no-one should live in fear of being penalised for raising concerns. Sadly, we’re aware that this is not always the case. It is not acceptable for people to be treated unfairly if they raise concerns and I am clear that appropriate action will be taken if we find providers failing in their responsibilities,” added Terroni.
“We already review how providers handle complaints when looking at how responsive and ‘well led’ a care home is, as well as checking with residents and relatives whether they know how to raise concerns and if they feel listened to.
“We have also launched our joint Because We All Care campaign with Health Watch England to support people in care and their loved ones by encouraging people to share feedback on individual experience.”
