The CQC fundamental standards describe requirements that reflect the recommendations made following the inquiry into care provided at Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust.
Fundamental standards set out the provision of regulated activities and care provided to people which must not fall below a certain level.
The fundamental standards include:
- Care and treatment must be appropriate and reflect people’s needs and preferences.
- People must be treated with dignity and respect.
- Care and treatment must only be provided to people with their consent.
- Care and treatment must be provided to people in a safe way.
- People must be protected from abuse and improper treatment.
- People’s nutritional and hydration needs must be met.
- All healthcare premises and equipment must be clean, secure, suitable and used properly.
- Received complaints must be appropriately investigated and appropriate action taken in response.
- Systems and processes must be established to ensure compliance with the fundamental standards.
- Sufficient numbers of suitably qualified, competent, skilled and experienced staff must be in place.
- Staff employed must be of good character, have the necessary qualifications, skills and experience, and be able to perform the work for which they are employed (fit and proper persons requirement).
- Registered persons must be open and transparent with people about their care and treatment (the duty of candour).