Jocelyn Cornwell responds to CQC State of Care Report
15 October 2015
Jocelyn Cornwell, chief executive of The Point of Care Foundation, today welcomed the CQC’s State of Care Report, saying:
“While the findings clearly suggest that improvements are required in some areas, it is heartening to hear that much positive work is being done in the sector despite the very challenging economic environment and increase in patient activity. For example, 8 out of the 21 trusts placed into special measures since July 2013 have now pulled themselves out.
“Most notably, the report highlights that good and effective leadership is one of the hallmarks of outstanding NHS trusts. It clearly recognises that good leaders are what make the difference – leaders who engage staff and people who use services and create a culture of continuous quality improvement.
“We know that high staff engagement – when staff feel engaged with each other and the organisation for which they work – is a key driver for safe care and improved patient experience, so it is essential that the regulator continues to highlight engagement levels as part of inspections.
“If this report highlights anything, it is not the failings within the sector – it is that if we want to create change within the health service, we need cultural and leadership improvements. Simplistic ratings contribute to a volatile environment for trust leaders at a time when stable leadership is essential in order for staff to trust in their organisations – innovation can only proceed at the same pace as trust.
“The CQC has a clear role to play in driving improvement but should avoid using punitive language that serves to exacerbate pressure on staff and managers. Staff need to be rewarded for improvements, and concerns about services should not be seen as failures but as opportunities to learn and develop.”
Notes to editors:
- The Point of Care Foundation published Staff Care: how to engage staff in the NHS and why it matters in January 2014.
- The Foundation is the sole, licensed provider of Schwartz Rounds in the UK. Schwartz Rounds are monthly, hour-long meetings which allow staff from all backgrounds, and all levels of seniority, to come together to talk about the emotional and social challenges of caring for patients.
About The Point of Care Foundation:
- The Point of Care Foundation is an independent charity dedicated to improving patients’ experience of care and increasing support for the staff who work with them.
- We provide evidence and resources to support health and care staff in the difficult work of caring for patients.
- We believe a truly patient-centred approach – focused on listening, understanding and responding to the needs of the whole individual – is essential to the delivery of the best possible quality of care.
- For further information about our work please visit our website, www.pointofcarefoundation.org.uk or follow us on Twitter @PointofCareFdn.
- For media enquiries contact Patrick Cullen, communications manager on: 020 7637 7252 or at patrickcullen@pointofcarefoundation.org.uk. Out of hours on 07969 991 720.