Nuffield Trust response to CQC State of Care report

Nigel Edwards responds to the Care Quality Commission’s Annual State of Care report.

Press release

Published: 15/10/2015

Responding to the Care Quality Commission’s Annual State of Care report, Nuffield Trust Chief Executive Nigel Edwards said:

"Today’s report lays bare the dilemma facing the NHS: how to maintain essential standards of quality and safety whilst grappling with squeezed finances and staffing problems.

One of the most concerning findings in the report is that problems in staffing levels were found even in acute trusts that were rated ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’. This suggests that these problems are systemic across the whole acute hospital sector, as well as social care.

"One of the most concerning findings in the report is that problems in staffing levels were found even in acute trusts that were rated ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’. This suggests that these problems are systemic across the whole acute hospital sector, as well as social care.

"The CQC rightly highlights the need for excellent leadership within NHS organisations. But this comes as we have seen a number of high profile Chief Executives leaving their jobs, particularly in hospitals. There is widespread concern within the NHS about this, but a distinct lack of action to tackle it. 

"The report suggests a link between poor financial management and poorer quality services. But it is not clear what causes what. It is possible that the scale of financial challenges, coupled with staff shortages, means some hospitals are now failing to meet the quality and safety standards we would want."

Notes to editors

  • The Annual Statement from our Qualitywatch programme with the Health Foundation will be released next month, bringing together expert judgement on the statistics that tell us how well the NHS is performing overall. The statement will also look at staffing issues, including vacancy rates across the NHS. 

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