In recent years, more production companies have started asking an important question:
“Is your medical provider CQC registered?”
This is a positive shift, and one we strongly support.
At Silver Screen Medics, we are a CQC-registered provider, and we believe regulation has a vital role in improving safety and standards across the film and television industry.
However, it’s equally important that production teams understand what CQC registration actually means and when it applies.
What CQC Registration Means
The Care Quality Commission regulates healthcare services under the Health and Social Care Act 2008.
In simple terms, registration demonstrates that a provider:
- Meets defined standards of safety and quality
- Has appropriate clinical governance systems
- Is accountable for the care it delivers
- Is subject to inspection and oversight
It is a marker of organisational quality and accountability, not just individual clinician competence.
Why It’s Relevant to Film & TV
Modern productions increasingly involve:
- Large crews working long hours
- Physically demanding environments
- Higher-risk activities (stunts, SFX, remote locations)
- Additional services such as diagnostics, or specialist care
In these contexts, having a regulated provider can:
- Strengthen risk management
- Provide assurance to insurers and stakeholders
- Ensure robust clinical governance
Where Confusion Arises
Not all on-set medical activity automatically requires CQC registration.
For example:
- Basic first aid provision
- Standby emergency cover
- Support to a single employer (e.g. production crew)
These can fall outside regulated activities depending on how services are structured.
This is where a blanket requirement for “CQC registered only” can become misleading.
What Productions Should Really Be Asking
CQC registration is important but it should sit alongside other key questions:
- Are clinicians appropriately registered (HCPC/NMC)?
- What level of care is being provided (first aid vs clinical treatment) and why?
- Is there a clear clinical governance framework?
- How are medications managed safely and legally?
- Is the provider experienced in film and television environments?
The Role of Needs Assessment
Before deciding on medical cover, productions should undertake a First Aid and Medical Needs Assessment.
This considers:
- Size and nature of the production
- Location and access to emergency services
- Type of activity (e.g. stunts, environmental risk)
- Cast and crew health considerations
This ensures the right level of cover, rather than over- or under-specifying requirements.
How We Support Productions
At Silver Screen Medics, we offer:
- CQC-regulated services where appropriate
- Expert advice on when regulation applies
- First Aid & Medical Needs Assessments
- Scalable medical cover tailored to production risk
- Healthcare-grade governance across all services
A Balanced Approach to Safety
Regulation is essential but it must be applied correctly.
The goal isn’t simply to “tick a box,” but to ensure:
✔ Safe, effective care
✔ Appropriate clinician skill mix
✔ Proportionate and compliant medical provision
If you’re planning a production and unsure what level of medical cover or regulation is required:
Speak to Silver Screen Medics – we’ll help you get it right from the start.