In April 2009 the Care Quality Commission (CQC) were appointed as the independent regulators of health and social care in England.
The CQC 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. The CQC also seek to protect the interests of people whose rights are restricted under the Mental Health Act.
Registration
From April 2010 Standards for Better Health ratings and the Annual Health Check will be replaced by the Registration Requirements. The new requirements are linked to Regulations and are based on a number of patient outcomes. The focus of the new requirements is the patient experience.
All NHS trusts must show that they meet new essential standards of quality and safety to be registered with the CQC. Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has achieved unconditional Registration from 1 April 2010.
Assessors will visit each Trust on a regular basis. The results of these visits will be published and may affect the Registration status of a Trust.
Care for Older People
An inspection by the CQC in March 2011 found that KGH meets essential quality and safety standards for the care of older people.
It also found that patient had a very positivie experience of care and they reported that ward staff were "kind", nurses attanetivie and that hospital food was surprisingly good and varied.
The report from the CQC showed that KGHH's focus on improving care for older people - particularly around nutrition and privacy and dignity have been recognised.
The hospital was reviewed on two outcomes:
People should be treated with respect, involved in discussions about their cae and treatment and able to influence how the service is run - Overall the CQC found that KGH was meeting this essential standard.
Food and drink should meet people's individual dietary needs - Overall the CQC found that KGH was meetig this essential standard.
Links
Care Quality Commission self declaration - Annual Health Check Rating 2008/9
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