CQC is the independent regulator of health and social care in England. They regulate care provided by the NHS, local authorities, private companies and voluntary organisations. They aim to make sure better care is provided for everyone - in hospitals, care homes and people's own homes. They also seek to protect the interests of people whose rights are restricted under the Mental Health Act.
The CQC also gives advice and information to help you find and choose the right health and social care for you.
Working with LINks
The LINk tells CQC what we have heard and how we think services are doing. This helps CQC get a better picture of what it is really like for someone using services in that area.
CQC Registration
NHS trusts now register with CQC to show that they meet a wide range of essential quality and safety standards.
The following Trusts have been successfully awarded unconditional registration to provide services under the new CQC registration system for regulating standards in the NHS:
Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust – Scored Good (including safety of patients, cleanliness and waiting times).
Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust – Scored Good (covers safety of patients and good management).
South Downs Health NHS Trust – Scored Fair (covers safety of patients and good management).
South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Trust – Scored Fair (covers a range of areas including safety of patients, cleanliness and waiting times).
Brighton and Hove City PCT - commissions care services for the local population and does not provide services directly. For this reason, this trust is not required to register with CQC. Scored Good for commissioning services.
You can find out how each of these Trusts performed in patient surveys on the CQC website.
Future Registrations
October 2010 the CQC will register independent healthcare and adult social care providers. From April 2011, dentists and private ambulances will be registered. From April 2012, primary medical care services such as GPs and private midwives will be registered.
Monitor was established in January 2004 to authorise and regulate NHS foundation trusts. They are independent of central government and directly accountable to Parliament.
There are three main strands to their work:
- determining whether NHS trusts are ready to become NHS foundation trusts
- ensuring that NHS foundation trusts comply with the conditions they signed up to that they are well-led and financially robust
- supporting NHS foundation trust development.
Download A Guide to Monitor for LINks here
Read more on their website.