CQC To Continue To Lead On Programme Of Independent Care And Treatment Reviews
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has announced that the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has commissioned the regulator to continue leading the programme of Independent Care (Education) and Treatment Reviews (ICETRs).
The programme is designed to ensure that care and treatment for autistic people and people with a learning disability who are in long-term segregation (LTS) receive comprehensive independent review. The initiative has been extended to run until March 2028.
The CQC assumed leadership of this work two years ago, collaborating with colleagues at NHS England. This development followed recommendations from Baroness Hollins’ review of previous programmes and the CQC’s report on restraint, prolonged seclusion and segregation, titled ‘Out of sight – who cares?’, which examined the experiences of autistic people and people with a learning disability.
The regulator recently published early findings in its State of Care report and will continue to analyse themes emerging from ICETR reviews, including feedback from participants and their families. Further findings are expected to be released in the coming year.
This programme is led by Rebecca Bauers, CQC’s Director for people with a learning disability and autistic people, who stated:
“Our team is delighted to see this work continue and we are committed to this important programme of work. We are making a difference, with a growing number of people now out of long-term segregation.
“But there is still more work to be done. It is so important to improve the lives of people who are currently in long-term segregation and to support them with the help of partners to leave this environment. We want every person to experience high-quality, person-centred care and be supported to live in their own home and community.
“The extension of this programme will allow us to expand the work and ultimately enable more autistic people and people with a learning disability to leave long-term segregation.”
