CQC Notifications Regulation 18

1. Serious Injury ????⚠️

• When: If a service user suffers a serious injury (e.g., fracture, head injury).
   
• Timescale: Without delay (ASAP).
   

2. Death of a Service User ⚰️????️

• When: Death occurs while the service is providing regulated activity.
   
• Timescale: Without delay (within 24 hours ideally).
   

3. Abuse or Allegation of Abuse ????????

• When: If there’s any actual or alleged abuse (physical, sexual, emotional, financial, neglect).
   
• Timescale: Without delay.
   

4. Police Involvement ????‍♂️????

• When: When the police are called due to an incident involving service users.
   
• Timescale: Without delay.
   

5. Application to Deprive Liberty (DoLS) ????️????

• When: When an application is made to the local authority to authorise a deprivation of liberty.
   
• Timescale: Without delay (once the application is made).
   

6. Authorisation Granted for DoLS ????️✅

• When: When DoLS authorisation is granted by the Local Authority.
   
• Timescale: Without delay.
   

7. Absence of Registered Manager for Over 28 Days ????️????

• When: If the Registered Manager will be absent for more than 28 days.
   
• Timescale: Before the absence starts or immediately if unexpected.
   

8. Return of Registered Manager After Absence ????????

• When: Upon return after being absent more than 28 days.
   
• Timescale: Without delay.
   

9. Events that Stop the Service Running Safely and Properly ????⚡

• When: Major events (e.g., flood, fire, major power failure) that impact service delivery.
   
• Timescale: Without delay.
   

10. Unauthorised Absence of a Service User (Missing Person) ????‍♂️❓

• When: If a service user goes missing from their place of care.
   
• Timescale: Without delay.
   

11. Infectious Disease Outbreak ????????

• When: If there’s an outbreak that poses a risk to others (e.g., COVID-19, Norovirus).
   
• Timescale: Without delay.
   

12. Changes to Statement of Purpose ????✏️

• When: Any significant change to the service’s aims, objectives, or services provided.
   
• Timescale: Without delay.
   

13. Changes to Registered Details ????????

• When: Changes like company name, address, service name, or legal entity details.
   
• Timescale: Immediately upon change.
   

???? General Rule:

Where CQC guidance says “without delay,” it is expected that you notify within 24 hours — sooner if possible!