CQC has today set out how it will work more effectively with Health Education England (HEE).
HEE is responsible for the education and training of people who work in healthcare such as: nurses, doctors, physiotherapists and healthcare assistants. This is monitored by them during visits to observe the quality of training.
CQC has published a memorandum of understanding, which gives details of the principles both organisations will follow.
The MoU has two annexes. The first covers acute hospitals and the second primary medical services. The agreements provide details on how both organisations have agreed to work together more closely, including sharing information.
Both our organisations can benefit from sharing information we hold: education and training issues might be symptoms of wider patient safety and care concerns so would be of interest to CQC. The information from HEE's inspections will be shared with CQC and can be considered along with a range of information we use to form our judgements.
Similarly, it is helpful for HEE to know the quality of care in providers delivering education and training. We will also share relevant information from our inspections about the quality of care that is provided.
Along with HEE, we are one of the partners to help deliver the NHS's Five year forward view, which sets out a vision for the NHS.