New regulator for health and social care announced

The health secretary has announced that a new regulator will be set up for health and adult social care services which will ensure effective and safe care for the public.

The Care Quality commission (CQC) is intended to tackle and prevent Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAIs) as well as strengthening the regulation already in place.

Its powers will include the ability to carry out infection control inspections, increase the number of checks for hospitals with high rates of HCAIs and close down wards if necessary.

Alan Johnson maintained that tackling infection remained a “challenge” for the NHS which the government were determined to take action on.

“The Care Quality commission will ensure that all patients receive a safe and quality service, no matter what part of the system they are accessing, and at which point,” he confirmed.

Bringing together expertise from the Healthcare commission, the commission for Social Care Inspection and the Mental Health Act commission, the CQC will also support the extension of patient choice.

Last week, Alan Johnson responded to the Healthcare c