An independent review of England's health and social care watchdog has revealed alarming deficiencies, prompting Health Secretary Wes Streeting to declare the Care Quality Commission not fit for purpose. The review, conducted by Dr. Penny Dash, chairwoman of the North West London Integrated Care Board, uncovered a litany of issues that have undermined the CQC's ability to effectively monitor and inspect health and adult social care providers across the country.
Among the most startling findings was the revelation that one hospital had not been inspected for a decade. The review estimated that approximately 20% of locations under the CQC's purview have never received a rating. This lack of oversight raises serious concerns about the safety and quality of care being provided in these unassessed facilities. The report also highlighted a troubling lack of experience among some CQC staff, with examples of inspectors visiting hospitals for the first time and care home inspectors who had never interacted with dementia patients.
The CQC's struggles extend beyond staffing issues. The review found that inspection numbers remain significantly below pre-Covid levels, indicating a backlog of assessments that could further compromise patient safety. Additionally, inconsistencies in the watchdog's assessment methods and problems with its IT systems have hampered its ability to carry out its crucial role effectively.
In response to these findings, Mr. Streeting has pledged immediate action to restore public confidence in the CQC. The Department of Health and Social Care announced several measures, including the appointment of Professor Sir Mike Richards, a former hospital physician and the CQC's first chief inspector of hospitals, to review the organization's assessment framework. The government also plans to improve transparency regarding how the regulator determines ratings for health and social care providers and increase its oversight of the CQC.
The implications of these failings are far-reaching, potentially affecting millions of patients and families who rely on CQC assessments when making decisions about their care. Mr. Streeting acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating, I want to reassure them that I am determined to grip this crisis and give people the confidence that the care they're receiving has been assessed. This Government will never turn a blind eye to failure.
The CQC's interim chief executive, Kate Terroni, has accepted the review's findings and recommendations in full. She acknowledged the urgent need for improvement and stated that the organization is working quickly to rebuild trust with the public and providers. This process will involve better listening, more collaborative work, and increased transparency about past mistakes.
The healthcare sector has responded to the review with a mix of concern and cautious optimism. Professor Martin Green, chief executive of Care England, emphasized the need for a long and difficult journey of reform for the CQC. He called for a move away from a culture of blame and towards the development of a supportive regulatory system that can effectively protect the public and deliver fair judgments across health and social care.
As the Department of Health monitors progress over the summer, all eyes will be on the CQC to see if it can implement the necessary changes to regain public trust and fulfill its vital role in ensuring the safety and quality of England's health and social care services. The full independent report, expected in autumn, will likely provide further insights into the challenges facing the watchdog and the steps required to address them.
