22.03.13
Filling the gap
The Nuffield Trust has called for a new ratings system to be introduced for the whole NHS, filling a gap in information provision to the public.
Could such a system really help to catch poor performance before patient safety is placed at risk? And if so, is the CQC the best organisation to implement the ratings?
It would certainly need more resources, and as the Nuffield Trust points out, time and space to manage a new strategic direction.
And ratings must be integrated with other methods of regulation and inspection to provide a comprehensive review of performance in the NHS. This must not be just another layer of bureaucracy that ends up detracting from, rather than protecting, patient care and safety.
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