Event medical cover in the UK is undergoing a major transformation. With new Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulations set to take effect, event organizers and medical providers must prepare for stricter compliance requirements. These changes aim to enhance patient safety and care quality, but they also introduce new challenges for those providing medical services at events.
The Manchester Arena Inquiry highlighted concerns about unregulated medical care at events, prompting the government to remove CQC registration exemptions for certain providers. Previously, medical services at sports grounds, festivals, and cultural events were not required to register with the CQC. Now, any provider offering treatment for disease, disorder, or injury (TDDI) must be fully registered.
Event organizers must ensure that all medical providers they hire are CQC-registered. This includes doctors, nurses, and paramedics, whether they are employed by a registered provider or registered individually. While basic first aid remains exempt, any advanced medical care must comply with CQC standards.
Maintaining CQC registration involves fees, audits, and governance requirements, which could impact smaller providers and voluntary medical teams. Even volunteer doctors and paramedics must now be registered, potentially limiting the availability of medical professionals at events.
These changes mark a significant shift in event medical cover, aiming to improve safety while introducing new compliance challenges. As the industry adapts, event organizers and medical providers must stay informed and proactive to ensure seamless medical support at events.
Emergency Medics is a trusted provider of medical training, staffing solutions, and event medical cover, supporting healthcare providers and events across the UK. We prioritise safety, preparedness, and professionalism, delivering high-quality services that make a real difference.