(Source-wharfedaleobserver.com)
The Care Quality Commission (CQC), the body responsible for overseeing NHS hospitals, GP surgeries, and care homes in England, has come under severe scrutiny. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has labeled the regulator as “not fit for purpose” following an independent review that exposed alarming deficiencies in its operations.
Major Findings from the Independent Review
The review revealed a series of significant issues within the CQC. Inspectors were found to be lacking essential experience, with some having never visited a hospital or interacted with individuals suffering from dementia. Among the key failings identified were:
- Inspectors assigned to hospitals without prior experience in such settings.
- Care home inspectors who had no prior experience with dementia patients.
- A backlog of assessments, with about 20% of services, including new care providers, GPs, and private health clinics, having never been rated.
- Some NHS hospitals going over a decade without a fresh inspection.
- A noticeable inconsistency in the assessment process.
These findings have led to a call for urgent reform to address these critical issues.
Health Secretary’s Response
Wes Streeting expressed his shock at the extent of the failures, stating, “I have been stunned by the extent of the failings of the institution that is supposed to identify and act on failings. It’s clear to me the CQC is not fit for purpose.” Streeting announced a series of emergency measures to address the problems, including the immediate release of the interim report to prompt action.
To tackle these issues, Streeting has appointed Sir Mike Richards, a veteran cancer doctor and former Chief Inspector of Hospitals, to lead a “rapid review” of the CQC is not fit for purpose. This move is intended to bring a seasoned perspective to the ongoing issues within the watchdog. Additionally, Kate Terroni, the interim Chief Executive, will oversee the initial steps toward reform following Ian Trenholm’s departure from the role.
Streeting also emphasized the need for transparency in how ratings are determined, urging the CQC not fit for purpose to disclose whether ratings are based on comprehensive inspections. “I can’t have confidence in [the ratings], and I don’t think the public can,” he stated.
Upcoming Report and Reform Efforts
The review into the CQC, led by Dr. Penny Dash, who chairs the board overseeing north west London’s health and care system, involved interviews with over 200 senior NHS staff and more than 50 CQC employees. Dr. Dash’s interim report, released this week, highlights the pressing need for reform, with the final report expected in the autumn.
Dr. Dash commented, “The contents of my interim report underscore the urgent need for comprehensive reform within the CQC.”
Industry Reactions
The criticisms have been met with support from various industry leaders. Prof. Martin Green, Chief Executive of Care England, acknowledged the problems and described the upcoming reform process as “long and difficult, but entirely necessary.” Similarly, Sir Julian Hartley from NHS Providers welcomed the announcement, aligning with the call for urgent reform based on feedback from trust leaders.
Kate Terroni stated that the CQC accepts the review’s findings and is already working on addressing the highlighted issues. “We accept in full the findings and recommendations in this review, which identifies clear areas where improvement is urgently needed,” she said.
Wes Streeting highlighted the need for “radical reform” to restore public trust in the CQC’s ratings. He also praised those within the CQC not fit for purpose who have been “sounding the alarm” about the systemic issues.
The current situation presents a critical moment for the CQC as it embarks on a journey of reform aimed at restoring confidence and ensuring that it can effectively oversee the quality of care services across England.
