24 February 2010
Commenting on the publication today of the National Quality Board's 'Review of early warning systems in the NHS – Acute and community services', Dame Jo Williams, CQC's interim chair and a National Quality Board member, said:
"We welcome the clarity that this review brings to the roles and responsibilities of the different organisations involved in safeguarding quality of care in the NHS. CQC is totally committed to sharing information and working collaboratively with other bodies. We each have a role to play and a responsibility to work together to improve patient care. Together we must ensure that we pick up on problems early and take swift action where it is needed.
"The review reinforces the fact that the ultimate responsibility for the quality of care given to patients rests with the provider organisations. They must ensure that they meet the essential standards of quality and safety set out by the new system of registration with CQC, which for NHS providers comes into effect on 1 April this year."
To view the report visit the Department of Health website: National Quality Board Review report.