Vulnerable people being put at risk by failings of CQC – Alzheimer's Society
Published 2 December 2011
The number of inspections and compliance checks of care homes have been cut back since the Care Quality Commission (CQC) took over their regulation two years ago, according to a new report.
The critical report, by the National Audit Office, found that the regulator only completed 47 per cent of its compliance checks of standards of care between October 2010 and April 2011. However, it also stated that the commission had a 'difficult task' establishing itself on a budget that was six per cent lower than the three bodies it replaced while government recruitment restrictions led to 14 per cent of staff positions lying vacant.
Alzheimer's Society comment:
'The Care Quality Commission and the government have failed to deliver a robust system to regulate and inspect for quality in care. This means millions of people - including many people with dementia - have been put at risk of poor care and support when they are at their most vulnerable. The system of care and support is broken. The CQC must change and it's vital the government faces up to the need for a new settlement on care and support.'
Jeremy Hughes
Chief Executive
Alzheimer's Society
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Notes to editors:
- One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
- Alzheimer's Society research shows that 750,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In just ten years a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051
- Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them
- Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
- Alzheimer's Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
- Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk
- Alzheimer's Society and Tesco have mapped the number of people with dementia in each part of the UK and the percentage who receive a diagnosis. To view the 'Mapping the Dementia Gap' study visit alzheimers-tesco.org.uk
