Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) is to launch an inspection rating system for care services to help “better understand the quality of care provided” and support informed decisions.
The new system launches on 1 April 2025 to evaluate four key areas: well-being; care and support; leadership and management; and the environment, determining whether the services provided are excellent, good, require improvement or require significant improvement. This will be implemented in all care homes and support services across Wales, with each organisation required to “display their rating at their premises and online” as well as being outlined in inspection reports and on the CIW website.
According to the CIW, “it will take up to two years for all relevant services to be inspected and given their ratings,” however support services will be provided throughout this time.
Speaking on the system, minister for children and social care, Dawn Bowden commented, “care services throughout Wales have a crucial role in looking after people. For many of them, a care service can also be their home, where they live and thrive, and we want to keep ensuring they receive the best possible care. These ratings will enable people to make important decisions in choosing what’s right for them and support their well-being. They will also enable service providers to pinpoint their strengths as well as areas for growth and development.”
Health and care updates in Wales
Earlier this year, the Welsh electronic maternity record began its national roll-out, going first to Aneurin Bevan University and Cardiff and Vale University health boards, with plans for the digital system to be available across all health boards by March 2026. Plans are also in place for an app to be introduced to give women access to their full maternity records, see tailored updates after every appointment, learn about their baby’s development and more.
Five projects across Northern Ireland and Wales were recently awarded a share of £1 million as part of the SBRI Cancer Challenge, which seeks innovations with the potential to offer earlier and faster diagnosis, reduced waiting times, and improved treatment for cancer patients.
In January, the Auditor General for Wales published a report on “Cancer Services in Wales: A review of the strategic approach to improving the timeliness of diagnosis and treatment”. It outlined that “despite increased investment, there is a continuing failure to meet the national performance targets for cancer”, highlighting risks to patient safety from fragmented digital systems and the need for more consistent national data.
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