Adult Social Care and Communities Scrutiny Committee raises concerns with Care Quality Commission on number of inspections it carries out

The letter, written by Cllr Dr Rebecca Trimnell argues that the CQC’s current level of inspections does not give residents an accurate picture of the care market in Gloucestershire.

The letter highlights that the number of new providers registering in the county was double the number of inspections undertaken in the last quarter. It is also pointed out that previously inspected providers in Gloucestershire have waited up to 10 years for a return visit, to provide an up-to-date inspection.

The Adult Social Care and Communities Scrutiny Committee is concerned that 5% of residential and nursing homes and 35% of community-based providers in the county have not been inspected by CQC.

In the letter, Cllr Dr Trimnell writes: “Our concern therefore is that the CQC information may not give an accurate reflection of overall quality in the market and may not support people needing care in their decision making.”

Gloucestershire has 397 services registered with the CQC, with 79 of these still awaiting their first graded inspection.

As well as expressing concerns over the number of inspections, the letter also asks the CQC what action it is taking to address the issue. To read the letter Cllr Dr Trimnell wrote to the CQC, click here.

Stefan Kallee, Deputy Director of the CQC, has responded to Cllr Dr Trimnell acknowledging the concerns raised by the committee and pointed to improvements being made. To read this letter in full, click here.

Cllr Dr Trimnell said: “It is important that our residents have the correct information when they make their decisions about care for themselves or their loved ones.

“On behalf of the committee, I wrote to the CQC to ask what action they plan to take to ensure that enough inspections are being carried out to allow residents to have an accurate picture.

“I am pleased that the CQC have responded so promptly and advised of improvements they are carrying out. We will continue to monitor this situation.”