Hospital inspections branded ‘not fit for purpose’ after significant failings exposed in damning report

HOSPITAL inspections were branded “not fit for purpose” as significant failings were exposed in a damning report.

Cabinet minister Wes Streeting has vowed to shake up NHS assessments after it was revealed some inspectors had never even set foot in a hospital.

The Health Secretary stepped in after reading an interim report which found the Care Quality Commission’s investigations were worse than pre-pandemic levels.

Mr Streeting said: “I have been stunned by the extent of its failings. It’s clear to me the CQC is not fit for purpose.”

The report revealed the CQC failed to re-inspect some NHS institutions for several years, with one hospital check more than ten years overdue. Some inspectors had never been in a hospital.

Checks on GP practices and care homes were also savaged.

One care home inspector had never met a dementia sufferer before.

Mr Streeting said: “I have ordered the publication of this interim report so action can begin immediately. I know this will be a worrying development for patients and families who rely on CQC assessments when making choices about their care.

“I want to reassure them that I am determined to get a grip on this crisis.”

The dossier, which included evidence from 200 senior managers, carers and clinicians along with 50 CQC managers, was compiled by Dr Penny Dash.

She found levels of inspection were far below those carried out pre-pandemic and there was a lack of expertise among those carrying them out.

Senior cancer doctor Professor Sir Mike Richards will now be brought in to review CQC assessments.