CQC takes action to close failing care services

Forty two adult care services have closed in the past year following enforcement action by the Care Quality Commission for reasons including abuse, illegal migrant staff, poor management of medication and low levels of cleanliness.

A further 51 voluntarily closed following a rating of ‘poor’ by the regulator, though the total number closed represents a tiny fraction of England’s 24,000 care services.

The CQC released the figures ahead of the launch of its new registration system for adult care services this Friday (1 October), which the regulator vowed would be tougher on poorer performers because it would have a wider range of enforcement powers.

Most of the services closed were care homes, meaning around 1,600 elderly and disabled people had to move home.

CQC chief executive Cynthia Bower said it was not a decision taken lightly. She added: “These are places where people live. We have to weigh up the potential impact on residents. In some cases, moving frail and elderly people may actually cause more harm than good.”

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