07.02.13
Little enthusiasm for CQC-Monitor merger
The CQC should take over key regulation functions from Monitor, Robert Francis QC has recommended.
Francis stated: “Regulation would also be more effective if compliance with fundamental standards and requirements for clinical and corporate governance and finance control, were regulated by one organisation. The CQC should regulate all these matters together rather than responsibility being divided between CQC and Monitor.”
His report calls for the health secretary to consider transferring the functions of regulating governance of healthcare providers and fitness of persons to be directors, governors or equivalent persons from Monitor to the CQC.
However, neither organisation has expressed much enthusiasm for the move. Monitor has stated that it will work “very closely” with the CQC, sharing information and jointly commissioning further investigations “where necessary”, but added that “any further changes to the structure of regulation are necessarily a matter for government”.
The Health Service Journal has reported that the CQC feels the objectives of Francis’ recommendation could be achieved without a merger, while CQC chief executive David Behan said: “No system can guarantee that there will never be failings. Regulators and supervisory bodies must be much better at identifying and challenging poor care and in working together to improve people’s experiences of care.”
Concerning the merge with Monitor, Behan added: “We will continue to operate as a single, unified regulator across health and social care.”
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