Ask Sheila
Sheila will try to answer as many of your questions as possible, giving priority to frequently asked questions and questions regarding current events and trends.
Sheila Scott OBE from National Care Association (NCA). Care is Sheila’s life; she possesses a strong command of the issues facing the care sector informed by her long career as a nursing professional, the owner and manager of a care business and as a leader in the care sector.
Sheila will try to answer as many of your questions as possible, giving priority to frequently asked questions and questions regarding current events and trends.
Please note that Sheila can not offer answers to matters requiring legal advice. If your matter concerns a specific service provider, please contact the CQC.
Latest Questions
How does GDPR impact on individuals who receive support from domiciliary care agencies?
Hi Sheila, how does GDPR impact on individuals who receive support from domiciliary care agencies and what are the key areas of note?
Dear P, Thank you for your question. I have already answered a question about GDPR today but I wanted to reinforce what I have said because you particularly refer to care...
What training is required to become an CQC Inspector?
Hi Sheila, I am currently a team leader for 16 bed bus units for people with Dementia and I am looking to have a career change. What training is required to be CQC Inspector?
Dear P, Thank you for your question. I cannot tell you exactly what training is required to be a CQC inspector. If you go to the CQC website you can read about becoming...
Are 16 year olds allowed to be employed by private care companies and sent on their own to the private homes of those who need care?
Hi Sheila. are 16 year olds allowed to be employed by private care companies and sent on their own to private homes of those who need care. The company specialises in providing care to those with dementia, Alzheimer’s, mental health issues, physical disabilities and assistance with personal care for the elderly.
Dear J, Thank you for your question. The first piece of advice I want to share with you is the legal position with regard to 16 to 18 year olds: There are...
What are the potential risks of infection within Care Homes?
Hi Sheila, what are the potential risks of infection within Care Homes?
Dear F, Thank you for your question. The question that you ask is very wide ranging and there are many books and guidance on the subject. The question is of course very pertinent...
Do day care centres need to be registered with the CQC?
Hi Sheila, do day care centres need to be registered with the CQC?
Dear M, Thank you for your question. This is a question that often comes up and the answer is no, Day care centres do not need to be registered. It is extraordinary...
How long after my PIR submission date, should I expect an Inspection?
Hi Sheila, how long after my PIR submission date, should I expect an inspection from the CQC?
Dear S, Thank you for your question. When the Provider Information Return was originally introduced it was understood that the inspection would follow within about 6 months but it must be stressed...
What do care homes need to do in order to be compliant with GDPR?
Hi Sheila, I have just opened a care home and have been told that I need to comply with GDPR. Can you tell me what this means and what I need to do?
Dear M, Thank you for your question. GDPR is the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which came into force on 25th May 2018. There are a number of processes that you need to...
If a nurse is not working in a hospital or a nursing home, how do they manage to continue having their registration validated?
Hi Sheila, if a nurse is not working in a hospital or a nursing home, how do they manage to continue having their registration validated?
Dear S, Thank you for your question. I have had a number of similar questions from both Registered Nurses and from care providers recently. Every three years a nurse has to renew...
How many staff members should be on day and night duty in a Care Home?
Hi Sheila, how many carers are required to be on night duty with 30 residents? How many would be needed during the day for 20 residents?
Dear Mary, Thank you for your question, this is the advice I gave some time ago to a similar question. CQC Guidance on The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities)...
What is the process when registering a Domiciliary Care Home with the CQC?
Hi Sheila
I am in the process to register as a new provider of domiciliary care with CQC? I have submitted the application already, what are the CQC expectations for me to have in place before they visit or interview me, I guess some of the items are insurance, policies etc. Thank you
Dear R, Thank you for your question. I want to refer you to the Care Quality Commission guidance on "Apply online as a new provider". The 10 points identified by CQC are: 1. ...Partners with the UK's smartest companies
