By Sheila Mckenzie-
Care home leaders have called for mandatory testing after CQC inspectors reported COVID-19 symptoms.
The call follows a freedom of Information request obtained by The Uk Telegraph revealing that over 100 CQC inspectors reported COVID-19 symptoms, or have been forced to self-isolate.
The news came after the GMB Union last week warned of the threat of CQC inspectors becoming COVID-19 super-spreaders after they were denied testing by the Government.
The Department Of Health And Social Care (DHSC) claim the advice from the DHSC is flawed and should not have been relied upon. The DHSC say inspectors do not meet the criteria for weekly asymptomatic testing as they were not required to be within 1 metre of a resident to carry out their role.
However, care home managers insist the advice from the DHSC tests are necessary and need to be conducted for the safety of everyone.
A CQC Spokesperson said: “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 added: “Our testing policy is based on scientific advice to limit the spread of COVID-19 and prioritises health and care staff who are in direct, personal and regular contact with patients and residents.
“CQC inspectors do not have close contact with residents and are expected to follow proper infection prevention and control measures at all times – including social distancing, correct use of PPE and hand washing to stop the spread of the virus.”