Care homes in the South West of England are being warned to expect a letter from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), demanding evidence of attention to fire security, following the Grenfell Tower disaster.
In a letter sent out this week, the CQC said particular attention should be paid to the needs of people with mobility issues or learning disabilities. The "fabric and size" of the building should also be looked at, as well as fire safety procedures and staff training.
According to OCP West, Devon-based providers of fire and safety services to care homes, this is the moment for West Country care homes to demonstrate that they are taking action to address fire risks.
Phillip Sturgess, Managing Director of OCP West, said: "Having provided many care homes with fire safety scrutiny and support over two decades, we are offering a full fire safety inspection and management review, with a follow-up written report on any compliance or improvement recommendations.
"When the CQC sends in its inspectors, they will expect to see that care homes have taken steps to respond to the call for a review of their fire risks. We can provide that evidence by providing this special low-cost review.
"We are offering this ultra-low cost solution because we know that most care homes take fire risks very seriously, and because we know how the CQC will approach this topical issue.”
