Interim Report Identifies Significant Failings at CQC
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An interim report has uncovered significant failings within the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the health and social care regulator in England. The findings highlight critical issues impacting the CQC’s ability to effectively monitor and regulate care services. In response, the government has initiated immediate actions to restore public confidence and improve the regulatory framework.
Key Findings of the Interim Report
The interim report, led by Dr. Penny Dash, Chair of the North West London Integrated Care Board, identified several key failings within the CQC:
1. Inspection Levels: Still below pre-COVID-19 levels, impacting the CQC’s ability to monitor care quality effectively.
2. Lack of Clinical Expertise: Inspectors often lack the necessary clinical background to accurately assess care facilities.
3. Inconsistent Assessments: Variability in how inspections are conducted and reported.
4. IT System Problems: Inefficiencies in the CQC’s IT infrastructure are hindering operations.
5. Delayed Updates: Social care providers are experiencing long waits for registration and rating updates, affecting local capacity.
6. Limited Inspection Coverage: About 1 in 5 locations under CQC’s jurisdiction have never been rated, with some ratings being several years old.
7. Inexperienced Inspectors: Instances of inspectors lacking experience in relevant care environments, such as hospitals and care homes.
Government Response
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting has announced immediate measures to address the report's findings and restore confidence in the CQC:
1. Appointment of Professor Sir Mike Richards: Sir Mike, a senior cancer doctor and former Chief Inspector of Hospitals, will review the CQC’s assessment frameworks.
2. Improved Transparency: Increasing transparency in how the CQC determines its ratings for health and social care providers.
3. Increased Oversight: Enhanced government oversight with regular updates from the CQC to ensure the implementation of Dr. Dash’s recommendations.
4. Review of Patient Safety Organisations: Dr. Dash will also review the effectiveness of all patient safety organisations.
Statements from Sector Leaders
· Wes Streeting, Health and Social Care Secretary: Emphasized the urgency of addressing the CQC's failings to ensure reliable assessments for patients and families. He expressed determination to reform the regulator for a more transparent and effective system.
· Dr. Penny Dash: Highlighted the need for comprehensive reform within the CQC to enhance its inspection and rating capabilities, aiming to support a sustainable and high-performing NHS and social care system.
· Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England: Acknowledged the severity of the systemic issues within the CQC and supported the outlined steps for improvement. He called for a cultural shift away from blame and towards effective regulation.
Immediate Actions for CQC
Dr. Dash’s interim report has outlined urgent actions for the CQC, including:
· Overhauling the inspection and assessment system.
· Rapidly improving operational performance.
· Fixing IT system issues to enhance efficiency.
Kate Terroni, the interim chief executive of the Care Quality Commission (CQC), has responded to the interim report highlighting significant failings within the regulator. She has acknowledged the findings and committed to implementing the recommended improvements.
Key Points from Kate Terroni’s Statement
· Acceptance of Findings and Recommendations: Terroni expressed the CQC's full acceptance of the interim review’s findings and recommendations, recognising the urgent need for improvements.
· Efforts to Restore Trust: The CQC is focused on listening better to public and provider concerns, working collaboratively with stakeholders, and honestly addressing past shortcomings.
· Commitment to Improvement: Terroni emphasised the CQC’s commitment to working swiftly and consultatively to rebuild trust and strengthen its role as an effective regulator of health and care services.
A more detailed report will be published in the Autumn.
The Dash Interim Report
Government Response
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-acts-after-report-highlights-failings-at-regulator
CQC Response
https://www.cqc.org.uk/news/stories/response-interim-findings-dash-review