Health and Care Standards

posted: 28/10/2010

There is a new law regulating health and adult social care services in England. From the start of this month every health and adult social care service in England is legally responsible for making sure it meets new essential standards of quality and safety.

The Care Quality Commission registers, licenses and monitors health and care services using these standards. The standards apply to most health services, council social services and care homes, nursing homes, councils, home care, and shared lives schemes.

The essential care quality standards
1. You can expect to be involved and told what’s happening at every stage of your care

• You will always be involved in discussions about your care and treatment, and your privacy and dignity will be respected by all staff.
• You will be given opportunities, encouragement and support to promote your independence.
• You will be able to agree or reject any type of examination, care, treatment or support before you receive it.
   

2. You can expect care, treatment and support that meets your needs

• Your personal needs will be assessed to make sure you get care that is safe and supports your rights. You will get the food and drink you need to meet your dietary needs.
• You will get safe and co-ordinated care where more than one care provider is involved or if you are moved between services.

3. You can expect to be safe

• You will be protected from abuse or the risk of abuse, and staff will respect your human rights.
• You will be cared for in a clean environment where you are protected from infection.
• You will get the medicines you need, when you need them, and in a safe way.
• You will be cared for in a safe and accessible place that will help you as you recover.
• You will not be harmed by unsafe or unsuitable equipment.

4. You can expect to be cared for by qualified staff

• Your health and welfare needs are met by staff who are properly qualified.
• There will always be enough members of staff available to keep you safe and meet your health and welfare needs.
• You will be looked after by staff who are well managed and have the chance to develop and improve their skills.

5. You can expect your care provider to constantly check the quality of its services

• Your care provider will continuously monitor the quality of its services to make sure you are safe.
• If you, or someone acting on your behalf makes a complaint, you will be listened to and it will be acted upon properly.
• Your personal records, including medical records, will be accurate and kept safe and confidential.

How is the new system different?

The Care Quality Commission looks at the care people get, rather than at any systems and processes. They say they listen to what people say about their treatment, care and support. They check how care services are meeting essential standards now, rather than looking at the past.

The Commission has wide powers to act if they find that a care service is not meeting the essential standards. It regulates:

• Medical and clinical treatment given to people of all ages, including treatment given in hospitals, ambulance services, and mental health services. 
• Care provided in residential homes, in the community, in people’s own homes for adults, and in residential care homes for children. The Commission focus on more vulnerable people, including people with physical disabilities and long-term health conditions (such as HIV).
• Services for people whose rights are restricted under the Mental Health Act.
• Care provided either by the NHS or independently.
   

More information at their website and booklet

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