MPS comments on CQC’s changes to the way it regulates, inspects and monitors care

MPS welcomed the CQC’s new approach to inspections and provided detailed comments:

• Chief Inspector of Hospitals – We called for the CIH to be demonstrably independent and facilitate the joining up of inspectorates, regulators and performance measures across health care
• Patient engagement – We think the CQC should use the opportunity to have a two-way conversation with patients about what services it is realistic for them to expect from the NHS, how to make best use of the NHS, and what service standards it is reasonable to expect the NHS to deliver, in order to  help prevent a widening gap in expectations between the public and doctors.
• Performance data – We caution that performance data on individual surgeons should only be used if it is accurate and consistent in its collection and presentation.
• Duty of candour – We stated that any duty should be drafted very carefully so as to give maximum clarity to healthcare staff to whom it will apply. We also think it is essential that work on promoting the culture change that is needed in the NHS does not stop at imposing duties on healthcare providers and their staff, there will also need to be further guidance and investment in training.

Read the full consultation response below.
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