Why is CQC Registration vital ?
All providers of ambulance services at events where there is a possibility that the ambulance may be required to take the patient to hospital (as a routine or emergency journey) must be fully registered with the Care Quality Commision. Yet many companies provide first aid cover without being REGISTERED.
Registration Number: 1-153024585
The CQC legislation clearly stated "The transport activity will not apply where a provider only uses a vehicle to transport a person within the confines of an event site. ... however, if the same situation arose and the person was carried from the event ground to hospital, then registration will be required." For the full guidance click here.
Location Medical Services limited is not only registered by the CQC for ambulance services, being registered to provide the following services :
Diagnostic and screening procedures
Services for everyone
Transport services, triage and medical advice provided remotely
Treatment of disease, disorder or injury
Given how busy the NHS ambulance services are, having an ambulance provider who is not registered and who would not be able to transfer to hospital, having to dial 999 and wait for a NHS ambulance, does pose the question as to what the value of a non CQC registered ambulance is ?
The revised Event Safety Guide (HMSO) states that event organisers must ensure:-
"a competent organisation" is appointed to manage medical services at an event, and that this organisation "should be experienced in the medical management of similar events" (Par. 717, p123).
Despite this, until 2011, in the UK anyone - irrespective of qualifications or experience - could buy an ambulance, and sell their services to you.
Changes in Legislation since April 2011
In 2011, revisions to the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2010, changed the list of "Regulated Activities" that required compulsory registration with, and regulation by, the Care Quality Commission
"Treatment of Disease Disorder or Injury" or
"Transport Services" (amongst others).
This means that any organisation or company (NHS or otherwise) providing any ambulance services (including having ambulances on stand-by at events or on film sets), or offering any medical treatment services (such as at events) should be registered by the CQC and will have to have met the same "Essential Standards of Quality & Care" as NHS ambulance services, hospitals and care homes.
FAILURE BY EVENT ORGANISERS OR PRODUCTION COMPANIES TO ENSURE THAT MEDICAL / AMBULANCE SERVICES THEY EMPLOY ARE PROPERLY REGISTERED COULD LEAVE THEM OPEN TO PROSECUTION!
You can check that any medical provider is properly registered, or get more information on the CQC Web site below: