The government has released an interim report today which identifies significant failings with the effectiveness of the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Amongst the failings identified were low inspection levels, inspectors lacking necessary expertise, inconsistency in assessments and issues with CQC’s IT systems.
The report makes clear that these failings have impacted CQC’s ability to consistently and effectively assess the quality of health and care services and have also impacted capacity within the sector, with long registration times and delays in updating ratings. As a result, the public’s confidence in CQC as the regulator of health and social care services has diminished.
In CQC’s response, interim chief executive, Kate Terroni, has accepted the findings in full and has outlined how they intend to improve the implementation of their new regulatory approach. This includes promises to reduce registration delays by increasing staffing levels; improving the provider portal; and increasing the number of inspections to provide more up-to-date information on the quality of services.
These findings will not come as a surprise to all those in the health and social care sectors regulated by the CQC, who have been experiencing these inadequacies now for a long time. Whilst the acknowledgement of these failings will no doubt be welcomed, it is clear that CQC requires urgent reform, the extent of which cannot be achieved over night. The CQC’s response to the report is promising but only time will tell whether CQC truly take on board the recommendations made and make the required improvement to restore the public’s trust in its assessments and ratings.
Our team of specialist CQC solicitors provide advice and representation to registered health and adult social care providers and managers. For a confidential, no obligation discussion regarding your case, please contact our specialist lawyers now on 0161 696 6250.
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