Deputy Chief Inspector of Hospitals Ellen Armistead has written to local authorities to raise concerns about the safety of people using medical services at temporary events.
She wrote to chief executive officers of all local authorities in England in her role as National Lead for Ambulance Services.
As the independent regulator of health and social care services in England, CQC regulates the independent ambulance sector. There are exemptions to this – with some activities falling outside of the scope of CQC regulation as determined by the Department of Health and Social Care. Services provided solely within the confines of an event site are exempt, and are not regulated by CQC.
We are aware that licensing boards are responsible for making sure temporary events are safe. Consideration of the quality and suitability of medical cover and staffing is an essential part of this role.