The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has appointed David Prior as chair three months after Dame Jo Williams resigned from the position.
Prior, who is currently chair of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, joins at a time of great scrutiny for the independent regulator of health and social care services, with Dame Jo’s resignation coming shortly after a controversial attempt to remove board member Kay Sheldon from her position after Sheldon had criticised the body’s leadership.
Dame Jo’s resignation in September was the second major change at the top this year for the CQC, with chief executive Cynthia Bower resigning in February following a troubled four years in charge. She was replaced by David Behan in June, 2012.
Commenting on Prior’s appointment as chair, Behan said his rich experience in the NHS would benefit the CQC going forward.
“The next phase of the CQC’s development is vital to delivering success in protecting and promoting the health, safety and welfare of people who use health and care services.
“Guided by the findings from our Strategic Review, David Prior will play a pivotal role in chairing the board and working with stakeholders.”
Prior, who also has experience with Lehman Brothers, British Steel and as a Conservative MP, gave his vision of the CQC’s future.
“CQC must be an intelligent, risk-driven, consistent and transparent regulator of care standards. It will be driven by common sense and judgement not box-ticking and form-filling.
“It will be concerned both with the quality of hands-on clinical practice and with the culture, governance, openness and sustainability of the organisations that provide care.”
He also acknowledged specific incidents at Stafford Hospital, which reported higher-than-expected mortality rates, and Winterbourne View, which was the subject of a television exposé for its care failings.
“The organisations that CQC regulate must demonstrate that the systemic failure of care that occurred at Stafford Hospital and Winterbourne View does not, will not and could not happen here.
“The ultimate test for all those involved directly or indirectly in delivering care is: ‘Would I be happy for myself or my loved ones to be cared for here?’”