20 December 2012
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) will for the third year running be making sure that its inspection programme covers the festive period.
Inspectors will continue to do unannounced inspections of health and social care providers throughout the holidays
Amanda Sherlock, Operations Director, said: “It is important that our inspections don’t just happen on weekdays but also happen when there is the most stress in the system, this includes evenings, weekends and particularly over periods of the year such as Christmas and the new year.
“Our inspections are risk driven and care homes and NHS services can often be at their most stretched during this period. It is vital that despite the time of year the public get a good service from providers and that these services are safe and meet national standards. People should expect to be treated well and have their rights and dignity respected no matter when or what time of year it is.”
CQC will be reporting back on the findings of these Christmas inspections in the new year.
Ends
For media enquiries call the CQC press office on 0207 448 9401 during office hours, or out of hours on 07917 232 143. For general enquiries call 03000 616161.
Notes to editors
About the CQC: Snippet for press releases
About the Care Quality Commission
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of health and social care in England.
We make sure health and social care services provide people with safe, effective, compassionate, high-quality care and we encourage care services to improve.
We monitor, inspect and regulate services to make sure they meet fundamental standards of quality and safety and we publish what we find to help people choose care.
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