Daily Insight: Short but shocking

Trust chiefs want the Care Quality Commission to review its use of single-word inspection ratings, HSJ has learned, amid MP calls for an overhaul of Ofsted ratings following the death of a headteacher.

In a report publishing a series of recommendations for CQC reform, NHS Providers urges the regulator to re-evaluate the success of its single-word ratings, asking it to consider adding a narrative verdict as part of its new provider assessment reports.

The recommendation is made “in the context of the Ofsted inquiry findings” following the death of headteacher Ruth Perry by suicide, which a coroner ruled was contributed to by an Ofsted inspection. It prompted MPs on the Commons’ education committee to call for a ban on single-word Ofsted ratings.

The NHSP report said the inquiry’s concerns around inspectors’ behaviour, the complaints process, and single ratings also apply to the CQC.

It adds: “While we recognise the differences between the two regulators’ approaches, we believe now is the right time to take stock… CQC may need to consider the value of its single-word ratings, modelled upon Ofsted’s rating system.”

NHSP interviewed various CEOs for the report who warned negative ratings were “demoralising” and directly affected recruitment and retention.

Parachuting in to Essex

NHS England’s finance chief is said to have expressed “serious concerns” over the position in Mid and South Essex last year.

The system is forecasting a deficit £17m larger than its original £40m plan, and Julian Kelly is reported to have been particularly worried over high workforce spend.

A national director has now been jointly hired to work across the ICB and its main trust, Mid and South Essex Foundation Trust, which is driving the overall deficit. 

Neill Moloney joins as system recovery director from NHSE, where he had been leading efforts to improve urgent and emergency care for the past year.

Before this, he was deputy chief executive at neighbouring trust East Suffolk and North East Essex FT. 

The integrated care board said the recruitment was not ordered by the national team. Its chief financial officer said the system had decided to source specialist expertise to deliver efficiencies to support its financial recovery.

Mr Moloney will be tasked with developing these plans, while supporting wider performance. The acute trust is also within the “tiers” for worst cancer and elective performers.