The CQC currently has 163 possible prosecutions lined up against adult social care providers and it is actively considering more than 31 prosecutions of NHS organisations. The CQC has announced it has hired 11 ex-military and civil police officers to review the evidence. The consideration of increased prosecutions of NHS organisations sits against the backdrop that since the new regulations were introduced in 2015, the CQC has only ever prosecuted one NHS trust, Southern Health, on safety grounds.
In an interview with the Health Service Journal, Ian Trenholm said that whilst he didn't necessarily want to see more prosecutions, if there are breaches of the fundamental standards and there is evidence of that, then the CQC will take action and in turn stressing that they will not compromise on safety.
Mr Trenholm has made specific reference to the role of hospitals and their existence within the context of primary care and social services, advising providers to take a 'whole system approach' rather than looking at things in isolation.
In addition, the CQC have confirmed that it will not be suspending winter inspections as it did last January.
If you are a provider of care services or would like any more information or advice, please contact Vikki Woodfine (vikki.woodfine@dwf.law) or Nick Barker (Nick.Barker@dwf.law)
