Is there a similar registration procedure in Wales to the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England to protect people in England who are using websites to obtain prescription medicines, and who've suspended the registration of one of these providers, imposing conditions on two of them, and instructing a fourth to improve its practice?
Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) has the power to inspect any service providing registerable services. These inspections assess whether the requirements of the Care Standards Act 2000, the Independent Health Care (Wales) Regulations 2011 and the National Minimum Standards for Independent Healthcare Services in Wales are being met by the provider. Whilst HIW and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) operate within different legislative frameworks, both organisations are focused on the provision of safe, effective care. Where either organisation holds a concern, HIW and CQC will share intelligence about providers who operate regulated services across both countries.
All private clinics or agencies with a base in Wales must be registered with Healthcare Inspectorate Wales for the services they provide, regardless of whether they provide services on a face to face basis or online. Failure to do so could mean they are committing an offence and may result in action being taken against them.
In addition the General Pharmaceutical Council is responsible for regulating and registering pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy premises in Wales. The Council can investigate any concerns raised about the conduct of a pharmacist, pharmacy technician or pharmacy and, if appropriate, issue a warning, set conditions that limit how they can practise, or it can suspend them or remove them from the register.