Presentation from Sandra Sutton (Operations Manager, Network North, Care Quality Commission) and David Ross (Operations Manager, Network North, Care Quality Commission).
Minutes:
Sandra Sutton and David Ross, Operations Managers, Network North, Care Quality Commission (CQC), gave a presentation on the role and purpose of the CQC, and provided an overview of how the CQC will be registering, monitoring, inspecting and rating in the future, in light of the reforms outlined in the Health and Care Act 2022.
Members were informed that the changes would allow the CQC to provide greater focus on care across local areas or systems, use the new regulatory powers effectively to improve people’s care, make regulation less complex and more efficient, regulate in a smarter way, and work better with the sector as it also changes. It was stated that the new approach would embrace new technology, the adoption of a new Single Quality Assessment Framework for all service types and at all levels, the introduction of multidisciplinary teams, and use new powers to review and assess Integrated Care Systems and local authorities.
Particular focus was given to the development of the Single Quality Assessment Framework, which was being introduced to replace the four separate frameworks currently adopted, and would be used to assess all service types. It was noted that the ratings and five key questions would remain central to the CQC’s approach, however the existing key lines of enquiry and prompts would be replaced with ‘quality statements’, and that the CQC was moving away from separate monitor, inspect and rate steps, assessing providers in a more flexible way.
Members were advised on the interim guidance, subject to Government approval, which set out the high level framework for the oversight of local authorities, focusing on an initial baselining period. The four themes which would provide the initial focus of local authority assessments were outlined, together with the two quality assessments, and Members were provided information on the five pilot assessments that were currently taking place. Similar information was also provided in relation to the assessment on Integrated Care Systems.
Members entered into discussion on the level of influence local authorities had on private contractors within the Care Sector, and how the Single Quality Assessment should assist with the strive for consistency, and Members questioned how consistent rating in the past could have been achieved without a Single Quality Assessment. Members questioned whether the methodology of the Single Assessment Framework could be manipulated, but were reassured that the focus would always remain on the fundamental standard of care, and observed that the pilot authorities did not necessarily reflect the situation in Darlington.
Discussion continued on the pilot process for the Single Assessment Framework, and it was acknowledged that the Framework would evolve throughout the pilot process, as would the way in which the CQC reported its findings.
Focus turned to the Integrated Care System assessments, and Members were keen to learn more on how the CQC would compare equity of access and ensure consistency, and there was a recognition that there would be a need for place benchmarking.
RESOLVED – That the content of the presentation be noted.