5 Response Accepted AI-assessed

CQC assurance on MDT meetings

Recommendation

We recommend that CQC, as a matter of urgency, should assure itself that all hospital providers are complying effectively with up-to-date national guidance on MDT meetings, including in breast cancer care, and that patients are not at risk of harm due to non-compliance in this area.

Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
The CQC updated its inspection methodology to specifically examine the functioning of Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) meetings and compliance with national guidance, including whether all relevant cases are discussed (Government Response, December 2021). The CQC also works with NHS England and Getting It Right First Time to ensure national guidance on MDTs is followed (Government Response, December 2021). No further specific published evidence detailing the updated methodology or its outcomes has been identified since December 2021.
How was this assessed?
Assessed by gemini-2.5-flash on 24 Mar 2026
Checked data held on this site (government responses, progress updates, independent evidence)
External sources searched: www.gov.uk, www.legislation.gov.uk, hansard.parliament.uk
Jurisdiction
England
Response
Accepted
Accepted UK Government
16 Dec 2021

Accepted. CQC has updated its inspection methodology to specifically look at MDT functioning and compliance with national guidance. Inspectors examine whether MDT processes are effective and whether all relevant cases are discussed. CQC works with NHS England and Getting It Right First Time to ensure national guidance on MDTs is followed. (Source: Government Response, December 2021)

Source
Report Report of the Independent Inquiry into the Issues raised by Paterson 04 Feb 2020
Responsible Bodies
CQC Primary
Recommendation age 6.1 yrs
Last formal update 1559 days ago