Care watchdog CQC denied tests for inspectors before 500 care home visits

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is being repeatedly denied weekly COVID-19 tests by the government despite it planning to visit hundreds of care homes over the next six weeks.

The CQC has admitted that it has asked the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to test its inspectors to make sure they do not have the virus but their requests have been denied at a time when it intends to assess infection control measures inside at least 500 care homes by the end of November.

The CQC said in a statement: 'DHSC has advised us that CQC inspectors do not meet the criteria for regular weekly asymptomatic testing, as inspectors are not required to undertake ‘hands on’ close personal contact with people.

'We remain in regular contact with DHSC on this and will continue to keep this under review.

'All CQC staff engaging in inspection and registration visits must undertake a risk assessment prior to the visit. They must use the PPE identified, have gone through training on its use, and have completed the Infection Prevention and Control training.

'This approach is in line with what has been agreed for other professionals. DHSC will continually review their policies as more evidence emerges during the pandemic, and if the evidence means the criteria needs to change, they will advise us accordingly.'

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "Our testing policy is based on scientific advice to limit the spread of COVID-19 and save lives, and prioritises health and care staff who are in direct, personal contact with patients and residents.

“CQC inspectors are not required to make personal contact however everyone working in care homes including inspectors, should follow proper infection prevention and control measures including correct use of PPE and hand washing to stop the spread of the virus.”

'Super spreader' inspections highlights government ignorance says union

The care sector trade union, GMB says the government is putting care homes at risk from 'super spreader' inspection teams this winter by denying the CQC weekly COVID tests.

The GMB believes the hundreds of CQC inspections due to take place by the end of November could see the watchdog's teams spreading the deadly virus 'like wildfire' through care homes. Kelly Andrews, GMB Social Care Lead, said: "This position just highlights how little the government understands the social care sector. “Inspectors don’t just walk around the home, clip board in hand ticking boxes; they sit and speak to the residents and staff to fully understand what the real issues within the home are - as they should.

“Without regular testing that will put them at risk of contracting and spreading the virus. We can’t comprehend why the government would deny inspectors access to testing in such a vulnerable industry."