Context
The CQC has been criticized for not being fit for purpose and requiring significant reform, following a report by Dr Penny Dash. The use of single-word assessments in the CQC's performance evaluations is highlighted as causing undue stress and promoting box-ticking over real improvement.
Question
It is inarguable that the CQC needs improvement. Many who run care services in local authorities have little confidence in its performance. Does my hon. Friend agree that we could go some way to improving how it is viewed by looking at the use of single-word assessments, which create undue stress for social services leads? They were raised by the Dash review as insufficient to support local authorities to improve, promoting box-ticking over real improvement and giving little information to members of the public on the quality of social services provision.
Answer from The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)
My hon. Friend is right that confidence is the key word in the huge agenda that the CQC has to deliver. Dr Dash and Professor Mike Richards highlighted serious failings that need to be re-addressed. As one of our predecessors said, priorities are our language. Currently, a review of one or two-word ratings is not a priority, but it will be kept under review.
Not addressed: Commitment to reviewing single-word assessments was avoided in favor of stating current lack of prioritisation and future review
Was this summary accurate? Tell us
How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)