Independent hospitals · Key question 1 of 50/68 answered

Safe

Are people protected from abuse and avoidable harm?

8 quality statements · each asked twice

01

Learning culture

Reg 17, 20

We have a proactive and positive culture of safety based on openness and honesty, in which concerns about safety are investigated and reported thoroughly, and lessons are learned to continually identify and embed good practices.

What happens

A consultant with practising privileges is involved in a serious incident. What actually happens to them?

What can you evidence now

If an assessor followed one never event or serious incident end to end, what would they find?

02

Safe systems, pathways and transitions

Reg 12, 17

We work with people and our partners to establish and maintain safe systems of care, in which safety is managed, monitored and assured. We ensure continuity of care, including when people move between different services.

What happens

A patient deteriorates beyond what this hospital can safely hold at two in the morning. What happens?

What can you evidence now

What could you show about handovers from recovery to ward, and from ward to the resident medical officer overnight?

03

Safeguarding

Reg 13

We work with people to understand what being safe means to them as well as with our partners on the best way to achieve this. We concentrate on improving people’s lives while protecting their right to live in safety, free from bullying, harassment, abuse, discrimination, avoidable harm and neglect.

What happens

Do you admit anyone under 18, and if so what is in place that would not be there otherwise?

What can you evidence now

What could you show about deprivation of liberty for an inpatient who lacks capacity?

04

Involving people to manage risks

Reg 9, 12

We work with people to understand and manage risks by thinking holistically so that care meets their needs in a way that is safe and supportive and enables them to do the things that matter to them.

What happens

A set of observations triggers an escalation score at three in the morning. What happens in the next hour?

What can you evidence now

What could you show about escalation, sepsis screening and venous thromboembolism assessment?

05

Safe environments

Reg 15

We detect and control potential risks in the care environment. We make sure that equipment, facilities and technology support the delivery of safe care.

What happens

It is two in the morning and the ward has to be evacuated. Who moves the patients who cannot walk?

What can you evidence now

What could you show about theatre ventilation, medical device servicing and water safety?

06

Safe and effective staffing

Reg 18, 19

We make sure there are enough qualified, skilled and experienced people, who receive effective support, supervision and development. They work together effectively to provide safe care that meets people’s individual needs.

What happens

On the last night you were below your planned establishment, what did you do?

What can you evidence now

For a consultant operating here next week, what could you show?

07

Infection prevention and control

Reg 12, 15

We assess and manage the risk of infection. We detect and control the risk of it spreading and share any concerns with appropriate agencies promptly.

What happens

Where are your instruments reprocessed, and who is accountable if a set comes back wrong?

What can you evidence now

What does your surgical site infection surveillance show over the last twelve months?

08

Medicines optimisation

Reg 12

We make sure that medicines and treatments are safe and meet people’s needs, capacities and preferences by enabling them to be involved in planning, including when changes happen.

What happens

Who is your controlled drugs accountable officer?

What can you evidence now

What could you show about medicines reconciliation on admission and at discharge?

Sentinel — free self-assessment tool for adult social care providers in England.

Independent tool. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the Care Quality Commission. The 2026 sector-specific framework is in draft and subject to change.