CQC set to publish care home filming guidance
Health watchdogs are set to issue guidance on secret filming in care homes for the first time, it has emerged.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is set to publish information about covert surveillance for families concerned about the treatment of relatives within weeks.
A CQC spokesman said: “I can confirm there will be some guidance coming out about filming a bit later in the month.”
The Times reported the advice would take the form of a public information sheet setting out the factors people would need to consider when carrying out secret filming when they suspect mistreatment in care homes.
Andrea Sutcliffe (pictured), chief inspector of adult social care, told the newspaper the measure should only be adopted as a last resort.
“There have been a wide range of views on this subject, from those who think that cameras should have been installed years ago, to those who think I am the devil incarnate for suggesting it,” she said.
“We have decided that the best way to proceed is to issue guidance so those providers and relatives who feel the need to do it know what the issues are that they need to take into account.
“Respecting the dignity of people is central.”
It comes after secret filming uncovered alleged abuse and mistreatment of residents in care homes.
Care minister Norman Lamb has previously said there “could be a role” for CCTV in care homes.
The CQC is rolling out a new system of inspecting and regulating care homes which will see them rated as outstanding, good, requiring improvement or inadequate.
Ms Sutcliffe said the approach will provide the public with “clear, jargon-free and reliable information”.
She said: “From this month, we are introducing our strengthened way of inspecting care homes and other Adult Social Care services across England, using expert inspectors who will base their judgements on what matters most to the people who use them.”
Commenting on the ratings scheme, Mr Lamb said: “Choosing the right care for someone we love can be an overwhelming experience.
“There’s a vast amount of information to deal with and balancing that with day to day pressures can be really hard. The new ratings system for care homes and home care will be easy to understand, so families will know if a service is up to scratch.”
A survey for the CQC carried out through the Mumsnet and Gransnet websites found 84% of respondents reported that choosing care for their relatives was “very stressful” or “quite stressful”.
Justine Roberts, Chief Executive of Mumsnet said: “Our users have told us that balancing the needs of elderly parents or grandparents while looking after young children is one of the most stressful times of their lives.”
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