CQC outlines plans for revamped inspection service

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has published plans highlighting the areas in which it intends to improve its services and operational structure between now and 2016.

As part of its efforts to enhance its regulatory capabilities, the organisation will be introducing larger and more expert inspection teams that will spend longer in hospitals talking to people over the next three years.

These teams will be led by a chief inspector who will oversee performance ratings, while higher-quality information will be made available to the public to ensure patients can easily access and understand reports on care services.

Other initiatives include a programme to make sure action is taken quickly at failing trusts, a more thorough test for organisations applying to provide care services and increased efforts to listen to people's views.

CQC chair David Prior said: "This is an important moment for CQC. We have recognised we need to change and are determined to do so swiftly."

The NHS Confederation said these changes will help the CQC regain the trust of NHS workers and the general public.