Care watchdog in immediate cessation of routine inspections in response to coronavirus

The Care Quality Commission has stopped routine inspections as it adapts its regulatory approach in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

In letters to all registered health and social care providers it said other changes would include a shift towards other, remote methods to give assurance of safety and quality of care.

There will still be some inspection activity in a small number of cases, “for example where there are allegations of abuse”.

The CQC also promised to give extra support to registered managers in adult social care.

In the letters the CQC said: “Our primary objectives during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic will to be to support you to keep people safe during a period of unprecedented pressure on the health and care system.”