CQC & IAA agree stronger long-term working relationship
Monday, 17 September, 2012
'Commonsense approach' to exchange information, discuss issues
A series of measures have been agreed to strengthen the long-term working relationship between the Care Quality Commission and the Independent Ambulance Association, it was announced today (17th September 2012).
Independent ambulance companies are the smallest and amongst the most recent healthcare service providers to be regulated by the CQC, with registrations becoming effective from 1st April 2011.
In a statement the IAA, the leading not-for profit-organisation representing CQC regulated companies, said: "After a reasonable period of 'bedding down' both the Commission and ourselves considered it timely to review the relationship and look for opportunities to improve the effectiveness of working together. The commonsense steps we have agreed recognise the important role IAA members have in contributing to the welfare of NHS and private patients."
"The prime objective of these measures is to provide a timely and effective communications platform for the exchange of information, discussion and resolution of issues of mutual concern to protect the interests of the organisations and the companies which they regulate and/or represent."
Both organisations have agreed that the principles of working together will be based on
- Respect for each organisation's independent status
- Need to build and retain the confidence of the public and healthcare professionals in both organisations
- Commonsense approach to effectively communicate
- The importance of timely decision-making
The specific working arrangements include regular contact to exchange information on all relevant matters such as compliance inspection reports and CQC enforcement actions.
Additionally there will be bi-monthly joint meetings to discuss an agreed agenda and report back to their respective managements on key issues and decisions taken.
The first meeting under the new arrangements has already taken place during which the IAA called for an increase in the rate and effectiveness of compliance inspections of ambulance companies and a faster reporting of findings and any proposed CQC actions.
David Griffiths, National Professional Advisor for Ambulance and Urgent Care at the Care Quality Commission said, "CQC is committed to ensuring that registration, and ongoing compliance, will help protect patient safety, and lead to better services for patients.
"As part of that commitment we welcome the opportunity to work closely with providers and their representative organizations to fully understand the work they do, so that we can continue to develop the most effective system of regulation for their sector".
