Regulator with Teeth

At last - a regulator with real teeth.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) deserves a big pat on the back.

No sooner has it exposed the poor standards of care for many elderly hospital patients in England and Wales - than it goes on to highlight some truly shocking behaviour amongst midwives.

In one case which has hit the headlines - an exhausted woman in labour was told by a midwife to ‘hurry up or or I’ll cut you’.

Now I've heard some foolish union reps trying to excuse this behaviour - by pointing to an alleged lack of resources. 

But this simply will not wash - as the CQC makes crystal clear - there is no excuse for staff treating their patients in this way - end of story.

Lots of people are overworked and stressed in their jobs at times - but that doesn't give them a licence to rob people of their dignity - or treat them with undisguised contempt.

Which is what has been happening - according to the CQC - the health watchdog for England and Wales.

Now the CQC does not have powers to punish individuals - or the NHS organisations that employ them.

But it can name and shame the offenders - and that's exactly what the CQC is doing to great effect.

The whole point of regulation is to stand up and speak out - without fear or favour - by making unannounced visits and publishing your findings.

If other regulators behaved this way - notably in relation to the banks - the country might no be in the same mess we find ourselves in today. 

So more power to the CQC's elbow - other regulators should be following its lead.