UK health regulator granted greater independence

The Care Quality Commission (CQC), the UK's health regulator, is to be granted greater levels of independence to ensure it complete its duties as the country's chief health whistleblower, health secretary Jeremy Hunt has announced.

Under the new proposals unveiled yesterday (October 1st), the CQC will no longer be required to seek the approval of the secretary of state before carrying out investigations into hospitals and care homes. In addition, the secretary of state's power to influence the content of the CQC's annual report will be removed.

Furthermore, the recently-established roles of chief inspector of hospitals, general practice and adult social care will be legally enshrined. This will ensure the positions are permanent and the individuals appointed can voice their views without the prospect of political interference.

Mr Hunt stated: "The chief inspector must be the nation’s whistleblower in chief. We will legislate in the care bill to give the CQC statutory independence, rather like the Bank of England has over interest rates."

These new measures will be introduced through amendments to the Health and Social Care Act 2008, which will pass through the House of Lords later this month.