Commission calls for less red tape to improve standards

Changes need to be made to the national minimum standards to cut
paperwork, close loopholes that could threaten people’s
quality of care and provide better protection for children,
according to the National Care Standards Commission,
writes Sally Gillen.

In a report submitted to the department of health, which details
problems that have occurred in its first year of operation, the
NCSC makes 22 recommendations on how care standards can be
improved.

The NCSC said it had uncovered a number of “anomalies and
difficulties” in the current regulations from talking to
service users and care providers. They included significant cost
and regulatory burdens on organisations that offer short holidays
for disabled children.

Chairperson of the NCSC Anne Parker said: “We believe our
proposals will help improve the care system, particularly for
children, and look forward to discussing these with
ministers.”

She added that she believed the proposals, which would reduce
the regulatory burden, would be “warmly welcomed” by
the government.