Minister declares Health Watchdog unfit for purpose

July 26, 2024 TruthUSA

The review of the Care Quality Commission revealed significant failings and a need for urgent reform due to a lack of expertise and long delays between inspections.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting criticized England’s health watchdog, calling the Care Quality Commission (CQC) “not fit for purpose,” following a report by Dr. Penny Dash published on Friday.

The report highlighted how the CQC’s failings impacted its ability to identify poor performance in care homes, GP practices, and hospitals during inspections.

Some emerging findings include locations not being reinspected for several years, with some not receiving ratings since 2014.

All health and social care providers in England must register with the CQC for regulation and inspection to ensure standards are met.

However, around one in five locations that the CQC has the power to inspect have never received a rating.

Mr. Streeting expressed concern about the failings of the CQC and assured patients and families that efforts are being made to address the crisis and improve care standards.

One issue highlighted was the operational performance of the CQC, impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although some progress has been made since lockdown, the CQC’s operational performance has not fully recovered.

There has been a decrease in assessments and inspections, with plans to increase these activities in the coming years.

The review also identified a backlog of registration applications for new providers, affecting their ability to offer services and meet demand.

Concerns were also raised about delays in re-inspections of care providers with improvement needs, impacting care capacity in the area.

Another significant finding was the loss of sector expertise within the CQC, leading to a lack of credibility in health and social care sectors.

‘Urgent Need’ for Reform

The interim report emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive reform within the CQC to build a strong and effective regulator for the healthcare system.

A general view of staff on a NHS hospital ward at Ealing Hospital in London, on Jan. 18, 2023. (PA Wire/PA Images)

In response to the report, Kate Terroni, interim chief executive of the CQC, fully accepted the findings and committed to increasing inspections and expertise.

The Department for Health and Social Care announced immediate steps to restore public confidence in the CQC, including appointing Professor Sir Mike Richards to review assessments and increasing oversight of the CQC’s progress in implementing recommendations.

The full report will be published in the autumn.

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