Should the Government bring back an official, independent rating system for care homes?

Erica Lockhart, chief executive, Surrey Care Association Ltd

Sue Brand, managing director, RDB Star Rating Limited

YES

“I recall the introduction of the old star rating system and the challenges providers faced in implementing it and then the emotional turmoil it raised when their service fell short.

However by the end, Surrey care providers, especially those that had made the three star ‘excellent’ mourned its loss. Many of those still mention an ‘excellent’ report in their marketing materials as an external benchmark.

Others took pride in working hard to improve their standard and at that time our Surrey Care Advice Service worked with providers to assist and were able to evidence improvements in service against the ratings.

But would we want the old independent star rating system back? A small survey in Surrey to inform this debate came out 90 per cent saying yes with some provisos and only 10 per cent a definite no.

Some of the reasons for the yes vote were that they liked using the rating on marketing materials and tender bids as an understandable external measure.

Prospective clients liked it too as a helpful guide. But those saying no were delighted they had gone as they were too subjectively addressed and had serious implications for a service for a disproportionately long time for even small indiscretions. One solution going forward might be a percentage based rating.”

For more information on the star ratings system, see Richard Howard's story, www.carehome.co.uk/news/article.cfm/id/1558259/care-homes-need-star-ratings-reintroduced-according-to-national-care-forum

NO

“The benefit of a star rating system both to purchasers of care and care providers has been proved, however I believe the re-introduction of any system should be care sector driven, voluntary, holistic, objective, consistent and independent from the regulator but complimentary to the regulatory system.

Introducing a continuous quality cycle needs commitment from the top as well as support throughout the whole organisation.

An annual accreditation programme provides comparative feedback on the home’s care provision and identifies areas of excellence and good practice as well as performance gaps.

It also assists and motivates staff in the delivery of high ‘quality care’, gives peace of mind to the management as well as being used as a second opinion in disputes.

Care providers who can demonstrate high ‘quality care outcomes’ over and above essential standards should be given recognition and support including ‘quality premiums’, to reflect their commitment and investment.

Promotion and marketing opportunities should be introduced both nationally and locally to assist the public to choose a quality care home.

Any independent organisation carrying out accreditations should be externally validated and their star rating awards recognised by the CQC, Department of Health, local commissioners and the public.”