Hidden CCTV may spy on care workers to push up standards

HIDDEN cameras could be used by the health and social care watchdog to help it improve and maintain standards.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) unveiled the proposal as one of a number of changes to the way it monitors care providers.

The new Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care has outlined her priorities in a document published ahead of a public consultation next spring.

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Andrea Sutcliffe – one of three chief inspectors – said the organisation would hold discussions over “the potential use of hidden surveillance”.

The document states: “We would... like to have an open conversation with people about the use of mystery shoppers and hidden cameras, and whether they would contribute to promoting a culture of safety and quality, while respecting people’s rights to privacy and dignity.

“Such a conversation should cover the use of these techniques by the public, providers, or CQC.”

Other proposals include awarding ratings to every care home and adult social care service to help people make informed decisions.

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Ms Sutcliffe, who started her job last week, also wants to recruit an army of ordinary people with personal experience of the care system to help carry out inspections.

“We will always be on the side of the people who use care services,” she said. “For every care service we look at, I want us to ask: ‘Is this good enough for my mum?’. If it is, this should be celebrated. If not, then as the regulator we will do something about it.”

Davina Ludlow, director of care home directory carehome.co.uk, warned about the possible impact of hidden surveillance.

“Whilst safeguarding is vital, so too is dignity and privacy,” she said. “We urge full and meaningful consultation before digital spies infiltrate the care sector.Not only will covert surveillance impact on residents’ freedom, it may also have a knock-on effect on the motivation of staff.”

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A spokesman for the Alzheimer’s Society said: “With most adults in the UK scared of moving into a home and care in the community often failing to meet people’s needs, we desperately need to restore faith in services.”

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