Inspection bodies face integration

The disparate bodies inspecting the NHS face a major shake-up, with the organisations being integrated 'over time', health secretary Alan Milburn has announced.

The move anticipated the government's full response to the Kennedy report of the Bristol inquiry, due to be delivered to Parliament today.

The government was also set to accept Professor Ian Kennedy's recommendation for a Council for Quality in Healthcare, bringing together the wide range of inspection and patient safety agencies with the National Institute for Clinical Excellence.

But it has signalled its interest in going further, integrating the Commission for Health Improvement, the National Care Standards Commission, the Social Services Inspectorate and the value-for-money responsibilities of the Audit Commission, into a single body.

Though the various inspection bodies have drawn up protocols to support joint working and avoid duplication of effort, questions have been raised over whether the current number of different bodies could continue.

But organisational changes are likely to surprise those such as the Audit Commission, which pushed for a 'partnership' approach. Fresh legislation could be needed to integrate the inspection bodies.

Measures to give CHI greater independence have already been incorporated into the NHS Reform Bill, going through its report stage in the Commons this week.

But the government will stop short of moving to a validation or accreditation model, relying instead on CHI's powers to recommend 'special measures' for failing NHS organisations.

CHI chief executive Dr Peter Homa said one of its objectives was to support rationalisation of healthcare regulation: We look forward to strengthening our links with each of these organisations in our shared endeavour to improve patient care.'

But he urged caution in expanding and changing the roles of organisations still in their infancy.