• Current deputy chief inspector of hospitals Professor Ted Baker promoted to top job
  • Will take over from Sir Mike Richards at the end of July
  • Professor Baker will be responsible for developing and implementing new inspection regime at the CQC

The Care Quality Commission has appointed a new chief inspector of hospitals.

Professor Ted Baker, currently the deputy chief inspector of hospitals at the CQC, will take over the role from Sir Mike Richards when he retires at the end of July.

Ted Baker

edward ted baker

Ted Baker was deputy chief inspector from 2014

Professor Baker has been Sir Mike’s deputy since January 2014, and has previously worked as medical director and deputy chief executive at a leading hospital trusts.

He has a lower public profile than Sir Mike – who has worked at the top level of the NHS nationally for many years – but the appointment brings continuity of clinical leadership at the CQC.

CQC chief executive Sir David Behan said: “He brings an invaluable track record of professional and clinical leadership and a wealth of experience from his time as Deputy Chief Inspector.”

Chris Hopson, chief executive of NHS Providers, said Professor Baker “brings valuable continuity at a time of challenge and change in the NHS”.

As the new chief inspector of hospitals, Professor Baker will be responsible for implementing a new inspection regime from this month which will see an enhanced focus on using data to identify patient risk in hospital trusts and the regulation of new models of care.

Prior to joining CQC, Professor Baker was medical director and deputy chief executive of Oxford University Hospitals Trust from 2010 to 2014 and medical director at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Foundation Trust from 2003 to 2010. He has held numerous other clinical and academic appointments both in the UK and abroad.

HSJ has previously reported that the regulator is looking for a “highly influential” clinician or board executive with “political acumen” to replace Sir Mike. The CQC will pay the new chief inspector of hospitals between £161,000 and £191,000 a year.

Sir Mike announced his retirement from the CQC earlier this year. He was the CQC’s first chief inspector of hospitals in July 2013 and led the development of the organisation’s new approach to hospital inspections. Since he took up the post, every hospital trust in England has been inspected and rated under the regime.

Professor Baker’s appointment was made after an open and competitive application process.

 

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