NHS FARCE
Hospital inspections branded ‘not fit for purpose’ after significant failings exposed in damning report
Reports revealed one care home inspector had never met a dementia sufferer before
HOSPITAL inspections were branded “not fit for purpose” as significant failings were exposed in a damning report.
Cabinet minister Wes Streeting has vowed to shake up NHS assessments after it was revealed some inspectors had never even set foot in a hospital.
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The Health Secretary stepped in after reading an interim report which found the Care Quality Commission’s investigations were worse than pre-pandemic levels.
Mr Streeting said: “I have been stunned by the extent of its failings. It’s clear to me the CQC is not fit for purpose.”
The report revealed the CQC failed to re-inspect some NHS institutions for several years, with one hospital check more than ten years overdue. Some inspectors had never been in a hospital.
Checks on GP practices and care homes were also savaged.
One care home inspector had never met a dementia sufferer before.
Mr Streeting said: “I have ordered the publication of this interim report so action can begin immediately. I know this will be a worrying development for patients and families who rely on CQC assessments when making choices about their care.
“I want to reassure them that I am determined to get a grip on this crisis.”
The dossier, which included evidence from 200 senior managers, carers and clinicians along with 50 CQC managers, was compiled by Dr Penny Dash.
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She found levels of inspection were far below those carried out pre-pandemic and there was a lack of expertise among those carrying them out.
Senior cancer doctor Professor Sir Mike Richards will now be brought in to review CQC assessments.
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