The FTN agrees with the findings of the NAO report that the CQC has had a difficult and changing remit and needs to improve.
CQC inspections should be proportionate and related to individual trust’s risk profile. The proposed blanket policy of annual visits for all is not the solution in these cash strapped times - neither for CQC nor the organisations being inspected. Better targeted inspections would free up time and resources for CQC.
CQC’s judgements and pronouncements have a profound effect on trusts' direction, stability and reputation, and have ramifications for investment and service decisions. Foundation trusts need to have confidence in the way that CQC operates.
Sue Slipman, chief executive of the Foundation Trust Network said:
“CQC needs to shape up - it is clear from what our members tell us that it is not working well at the moment. In a number of parts of the country the CQC inspector judgements are disproportionate and the regime inconsistently applied. CQC should be the champion for the quality of health and social care in the new NHS.“
The report will be considered later this month by the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee chaired by Margaret Hodge MP.