2009
Proposed framework for Quality Accounts
The Department of Health consulted on the proposed framework for Quality Accounts. Ambulance trusts will need to provide Quality Accounts from April 2010, which will be an additional mechanism for boards to assess quality and address improvements. Please visit the Quality Accounts publication webpage to download a copy of the NHS Confederation's consultation summary. A copy of the response will be available shortly.
DH consults on Code of Practice for the prevention and control of infections
The Department of Health consulted on its Code of Practice for the prevention and control of infections which the CQC will use to assess that all health and adult social care providers, including ambulance services, are meeting the cleanliness and infection control registration requirement.
Read the ASN response to this Health and Social Care Act 2008 consultation.
The consultation summary for reference is available for members.
National Patient Safety Agency’s consultation: new national framework on serious incidents
The National Patient Safety Agency requested views on a new national framework to strengthen the reporting of and learning from serious incidents across the NHS.
Read the NHS Confederation response which the ASN contributed to.
ASN responds to Department of Health consultation: New Horizons
The ASN welcomed the focus placed in the Department of Health Mental Health consultation New Horizons on partnership working particularly as the ambulance service is a vital part of the mental health acute pathway. We agree that a broad understanding of mental health issues particularly amongst frontline workers is important to challenge stigma and discrimination in mental health.
Read the ASN response to this consultation.
Care Quality Commission: Mental health Strategy
The CQC consulted on the development of its strategy for mental health as part of its programme over the next three to five years.
Read the ASN response to this consultation.
Ofcom Consultation - A three-digit number for non-emergency healthcare services
Ofcom has undertaken a consultation in response to a request from the Department of Health (DH) for the introduction of a new three-digit telephone number to give the public access to NHS non-emergency healthcare services in England.
Read the ASN response to this consultation.
Care Quality Commission consults on 'compliance guidance' for new registration requirements
The CQC has consulted on its ‘compliance guidance’ which sets out what providers of health and adult social care will need to do to comply with the government new registration requirement regulations and what service users should expect to experience if the requirements are met.
Read the ASN response to this consultation.
Department of Health consults on registration regulations
The Department of Health (DH) consulted on the draft regulations for health and adult social care in England for the new system of registration with the Care Qualiy Commission (CQC). The proposals relating to ambulance services include:
Private ambulance services will not be regulated by the CQC until April 2011.
Voluntary ambulance services such as St John's Ambulance will need to be registered with the CQC if they provide services beyond first aid.
Providers which transport patients for the primary purpose of treatment (including private ambulances and air ambulances) will be regulated by the CQC.
This is intended to exclude providers which transport patients to and from hospital for non medical reasons (whether or not those patients are vulnerable).
Read the NHS Confederation response which the ASN contributed to.
Care Quality Commission consultation on providers reviews in 2009/10
The CQC consulted on its proposals for periodic reviews of commissioners and providers of health and adult social care in 2009/10, together with possible topics for special reviews and studies on aspects of health and adult social care. Proposed topics included the assessment of the health and social care pathway for stroke and dementia.
Read the NHS Confederation consultation response which the ASN contributed to.
End of Life Care Strategy: quality markers consultation
The consultation proposed quality markers for all healthcare sectors, including those for the ambulance service.
Read more on the NHS Confederation consultation response.
Care Quality Commission Enforcement Policy
From April 2009, the CQC will be responsible for registering, reviewing and inspecting health and social care services in England. Where providers of these services fail to comply with legislation or its terms of registration, the CQC will be able to take action against them including the use of its enforcement powers.
Read the NHS Confederation consultation response which the ASN contributed to.