In my previous medical post I mentioned the Health Care Commission. It had an important role in ensuring that health care was delivered "safely" in England. It was pivotal in revealing some important health care scandals including that at the Mid Staffs Hospital. Well, about 2 weeks ago the Health Care Commission was wound up, and disappeared. But do not despair. It has been replaced by the Care Quality Commission. This is like the Health Care Commission, but with wings. They state "The Care Quality Commission is the independent regulator of health and social care in England. Our aim is to make sure better care is provided for everyone, whether that’s in hospital, in care homes, in people’s own homes, or elsewhere." They go on to say "We regulate health and adult social care services, whether provided by the NHS, local authorities, private companies or voluntary organisations. And, we protect the rights of people detained under the Mental Health Act." From April 2009, every NHS trust in England that provides health care directly to patients must be registered with the Care Quality Commission. They have new found powers and they can force hospitals to maintain high clinical standards, including issues around cleanliness and infection control.Now readers of this post and the previous one, especially those who take the time to visit the included web links, will very quickly realise the importance of independent regulation for hospitals. You can imagine what might happen if this regulation were not in place. Well, thankfully in England it is.
www.KAYAK.im
