WIREDGOV

Commenting on the reports on 26 May, chairman of the NHS Confederation Sir Keith Pearson said: "The failings in this first batch of CQC Inspection reports are simply unacceptable. 

Minimum standards just the start

"We in the NHS cannot tolerate the failure to meet minimum standards in any way, shape or form. We should remember that minimum standards are just the starting point. We should all expect to experience something better than that.   

The NHS Constitution

"The NHS Constitution captures a set of values for NHS organisations and staff. In addressing compassion its says:

• We respond with humanity and kindness to each person’s pain, distress, anxiety or need.
• We search for the things we can do, however small, to give comfort and relieve suffering.
• We find time for those we serve and work alongside.
• We do not wait to be asked, because we care.

Both boards and staff need to be happy with care provided

"Every NHS trust should be gathering information about when things go wrong and making sure they learn from it. If hospitals are to provide the best possible care to patients, it is vital that their leaders are connected to what it is going on in all parts of their organisation. 

Both boards and members of staff should be making sure that they are happy with the care being provided to older people in their organisation - they should be confident that they would be happy with the care their relatives would receive were they to be treated at their hospital.  

No excuses

"This first batch of inspections does highlight examples of good care, but I'm afraid that failures damage the NHS as a whole. It should not be an option for any part of the service to provide anything but the highest standards of dignity and nutritional care to its patients. Getting it right for every patient, every time is a big challenge, but it can be done. There should be no excuses."

Care Quality Commission