We have signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC).
The MoU will see an established framework for the sharing of information where incidents of avoidable harm have occurred to people using health and social care services.
The MoU between the CQC and NPCC will be applied across various health and social care settings, including prisons, youth offender institutions, secure hospitals, domiciliary care, GP and dental practices and mental health services.
The agreement will make sure that there is effective communication and liaison in the regulation, investigation and enforcement of health and safety for people using health and social care services. The arrangement recognises the importance of investigations into incidents where avoidable harm has occurred – whether conducted by the police or CQC - are carried out effectively and consistently.
This MoU will help both parties meet their responsibilities for the safety of people using services and provide clarity on the statutory responsibilities of each. It will also act as a prompt for early decisions about the need for actions and investigations and provide an efficient and effective approach to the management of the incidents where avoidable harm has occurred.