Health and Care Connect: Health Check - October 2023

30 October 2023

Bringing together the latest updates and events to help you keep your finger on the pulse of current health and care issues in the independent sector.

Welcome to Health and Care Connect’s second edition of Health Check, a sector-specific roundup giving you a snapshot of our latest updates, key dates for your diary and noteworthy development affecting the independent health and care sector. This edition covers topical issues such as updates on the implementation of the CQC’s single assessment framework, the new building control regime taking effect from 1 October 2023 and the challenges and risks of clinical liabilities in respect of digital channels and healthcare apps.

Legal updates from our experts

Building Safety Act 2022: New building control regime from 1 October 2023

Tim Claremont and Gavin Hoccom discuss the importance of the new building control regime, the role of the new Building Safety Regulator, its enforcement powers and the possible impact of non compliance.

Healthcare investment in Saudi Arabia

Gerard Hanratty and Matthew Alderton discuss the opportunities available to health sector investors in the growing market in Saudi Arabia.

Digital channels and healthcare apps

Charlotte Harpin discusses the regulatory landscape, challenges and risk of clinical liabilities in respect of digital channels and healthcare apps.

Managing risks of modern slavery in the care sector

Gemma Lynch and Jennifer Jenkins considers the risk of modern slavery in the care sector and how employers can manage those risks in the midst of a staffing crisis in the care sector.

Procurement Bill progresses

The Procurement Bill has been returned to the House of Lords to consider amendments. Royal Assent is expected to follow and the countdown will begin for implementation of new rules, which will have an impact on independent suppliers to the public sector.

Update on the implementation of the CQC’s Single Assessment Framework

The CQC have issued a range of updates in the past few months in respect of its new inspection regime.

Roundtable Report - Community Diagnostic Centres

We recently met with clients and specialists from across the sector to explore the challenges when finding locations for a Community Diagnostic Centre (or “CDC”). Chaired by Hugh Risebrow, CEO of Latchmore Associates, we explored how we can collectively overcome these challenges.

Older People’s Housing Taskforce – progress update

An update from the Older People’s Housing Taskforce is eagerly awaited at the end of the month. In the mean time, Helen Taylor provides a brief update on the progress they have made so far.

We have been shortlisted for two categories in the LaingBuisson Awards 2023. For Private Legal Advisor of the Year and Public Legal Advisor of the Year
We have been shortlisted for 'Best retirement Living Supplier' at the Leaders in Care Awards 2023.

Dates for your diary

Health and Care Connect: Annual drinks and networking

Browne Jacobson welcomes you to an evening of networking and informal drinks with fellow providers and professionals in the independent health and care sector.

External events

Sector news updates

BDO M&A review published

BDO has published its M&A review of Health and Social Care Sector looking at deal activity and industry trends in the market between 2018 and H1 2023. The report covers sectors including adult specialist care, domiciliary care, elderly care and children care & specialist education.

Ofsted deadline to register for providers of supported accommodation approaching

Providers of supported accommodation for looked after children and care leaves aged 16 to 17 must submit applications to register with Ofsted by 28 October 2023. Ofsted has published guidance for the application and quality standards that providers must meet.

Care England & BKR Care Consultancy Ltd partnership

Care England and BKR Care Consultancy Ltd have announced a partnership to help the care sector prepare for the new Care Quality Commission’s new inspection framework.

Government announces areas to pilot children care reforms

The government has named Dorset, Lincolnshire and Wolverhampton as the first areas to be chosen to deliver the Families First for Children programme.

Market Sustainability and Improvement Fund – workforce fund

The government has unveiled a £600 million package to help with recruitment and retention in social care. The fund will support the social care workforce and boost capacity in social care, in turn supporting the NHS ahead of winter and through into next year.

If you have any news or events that you would like to feature in our next round up, please get in touch.

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