Why Event Medical Cover Needs to Be Regulated—and What’s on the Horizon
In the wake of high-profile incidents like the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, the UK government is taking decisive steps to overhaul how medical services are provided at events. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is set to expand its regulatory remit, and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is developing a new Event Medical Standard. These changes aim to ensure that all medical care at events—whether a local festival or a major sporting event—is safe, effective, and accountable.
The Case for Regulation
Currently, medical services at temporary events and within sports grounds or gymnasiums are exempt from CQC oversight. This regulatory gap has led to instances of unsafe practices, including reports of serious harm and fatalities due to inadequate care . The Kerslake Report and the subsequent Manchester Arena Inquiry highlighted critical failings in emergency response, such as delays in paramedics entering the scene and a lack of clear coordination between emergency services.
The absence of regulation has allowed unqualified or poorly equipped providers to operate unchecked, posing significant risks to public safety. As one CQC report noted, "Seventy percent of our inspections of the sector to date have found a breach of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014" .
What’s Changing?
The DHSC is removing exemptions that currently allow some medical providers to operate without CQC registration. This means that from late 2025 or early 2026, all providers offering treatment for disease, disorder, or injury (TDDI) at events will need to be CQC-registered. First aid services, however, remain exempt from CQC regulation, provided they are limited to basic first aid provision.
Additionally, the DHSC is developing a new Event Medical Standard, which will define the level of healthcare required at events. The CQC will use this standard to measure and regulate effective healthcare arrangements.
Implications for Event Organisers
Event organisers must ensure that any medical service providers they engage are CQC-registered. This shift aims to standardise the quality of medical care across events and reduce risks associated with unregulated providers. Non-compliance could lead to legal repercussions and reputational damage .
Organisers should:
Verify that their medical provider is CQC-registered or has plans to become so.
Ensure that the provider meets the new Event Medical Standard once it is published.
Review and update contracts to reflect the new regulatory requirements.
Preparing for the Future
The upcoming regulatory changes present both challenges and opportunities. While the transition may involve administrative and financial adjustments, the long-term benefits include improved patient safety, enhanced care quality, and a more professional event medical sector.
Event organisers are encouraged to stay informed about the evolving regulations and to engage with the consultation process to help shape the future of event medical care. By proactively addressing these changes, organisers can ensure that their events provide a safe and secure environment for all attendees.
For more information on the upcoming changes and how to prepare, visit the official consultation page: Changes to regulations relating to the Care Quality Commission.