Upcoming Changes to CQC requirements at Events

Upcoming Changes to Event Medical Cover Regulations: What You Need to Know

In response to concerns about the quality and safety of medical care at events, the UK government is implementing significant regulatory changes. These changes focus on the removal of certain exemptions from Care Quality Commission (CQC) registration and the development of new guidelines by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).

Removal of CQC Registration Exemptions

Historically, certain medical services provided at temporary cultural and sporting events, as well as treatments within sports grounds or gymnasiums, were exempt from CQC regulation. This meant that providers offering treatment for disease, disorder, or injury (TDDI) in these settings were not required to register with the CQC. However, following the Manchester Arena Inquiry, which highlighted concerns about unregulated medical care at events, the DHSC proposed removing these exemptions. The goal is to ensure that all providers offering TDDI services at events are subject to consistent regulatory oversight, thereby enhancing patient safety and care quality.

These changes were initially set to take effect in March 2025 but have now been delayed until later in the year. While a new implementation date has yet to be confirmed, it remains crucial for event organisers to prepare for these impending changes to avoid last-minute disruptions.

Implications for Event Organisers and Medical Providers

With the anticipated implementation of these changes in late 2025 or early 2026, event organisers must ensure that any medical service providers they engage are CQC-registered. This shift aims to standardise the quality of medical care across events and reduce risks associated with unregulated providers. While first aid services remain exempt from CQC regulation, this exemption applies strictly to basic first aid provision, such as first aiders trained to provide immediate assistance in an emergency. However, any service involving treatment for disease, disorder, or injury—including those provided by doctors, nurses, or paramedics—will require CQC registration.

This means that all doctors, nurses, and paramedics working at events must either be employed by a CQC-registered provider or be registered in their own right. Registration and maintaining compliance with CQC standards is a costly and administrative burden, involving ongoing fees, audits, and governance requirements. Importantly, even if a paramedic, nurse, or doctor is providing care on a voluntary basis, they will still need to be CQC-registered, either personally or through their organisation. This requirement could significantly impact how healthcare professionals engage in event medical cover, particularly for smaller events or charitable initiatives that previously relied on voluntary medical support.

For medical providers not currently registered with the CQC, this means undergoing the registration process and adhering to the associated compliance measures. Although this may introduce additional operational costs, the overarching objective is to prioritise public safety and elevate healthcare standards at events.

Event organisers with planned events in 2025 or 2026 should engage with their chosen medical provider as soon as possible to determine if they are CQC-registered. If a provider is not yet registered, it would be wise to consider engaging a CQC-regulated provider to ensure compliance with the forthcoming regulations and avoid potential legal or operational issues.

Development of DHSC Guidelines

In conjunction with these regulatory changes, the DHSC is developing a standard for the provision of healthcare at events. Once published, the CQC will consider this standard when regulating medical care at events, ensuring that providers meet defined criteria for safety and quality. This initiative reflects a commitment to improving healthcare provision at events and addressing concerns about unregulated care leading to serious harm.

Conclusion

The forthcoming changes to event medical cover regulations represent a pivotal step towards enhancing the safety and quality of healthcare services at events. While the implementation date has been delayed beyond March 2025, event organisers and medical providers must proactively prepare for these changes to ensure compliance. Organisers should take early steps to verify their providers' registration status with the CQC and, if necessary, transition to a regulated provider to safeguard both attendees and event operations.