CQC continue unannounced inspections over festive period as 'care homes and NHS services can often be at their most stretched during this period'

Care home and health and social care providers will continue to receive unannounced inspections over the Christmas period the has announced.

This will be the third year that CQC’s inspection programme covers the festive holiday.

Amanda Sherlock operations director said: “It is important that our inspections don’t just happen on weekdays but also happen when there is the most stress in the system, this includes evenings, weekends and particularly over periods of the year such as Christmas and the New Year.

“Our inspections are risk driven and care homes and NHS services can often be at their most stretched during this period.

“It is vital that despite the time of year the public get a good service from providers and that these services are safe and meet national standards. People should expect to be treated well and have their rights and dignity respected no matter when or what time of year it is.”

CQC will be reporting back on the findings of these Christmas inspections in the New Year.