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<p>Since publication of the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) inspection report into
the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) Merseyside clinic, BPAS Merseyside,
the CQC and Halton Clinical Commissioning Group have developed a local action plan
to address the concerns identified. The CQC is monitoring implementation of the action
plan through ongoing engagement with BPAS Merseyside.</p><p> </p><p>All independent
sector clinics wishing to perform termination of pregnancy, including clinics run
by BPAS, must be approved by the Secretary of State for Health and registered with
the CQC to undertake that regulated activity. Once registered, the CQC monitors a
provider’s compliance with the relevant requirements of the Health and Social Care
Act 2008 and regulations made under that Act.</p><p> </p><p>Failure to comply with
the requirements of the Abortion Act 1967 (and associated regulations), the Health
and Social Care Act 2008 (and associated regulations) and/or the Department’s Required
Standard Operating Procedures for independent sector abortion providers may lead to
withdrawal of Secretary of State’s approval. The Reviewed Standard Operating Procedures
can be viewed at:</p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/313443/final_updated_RSOPs_21_May_2014.pdf"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/313443/final_updated_RSOPs_21_May_2014.pdf</a></p><p>The
CQC may also take independent enforcement action under the Health and Social Care
Act 2008 which includes the power to suspend or cancel registration and pursue prosecution.</p>
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