UK
Planned Merger of Healthcare Commission and Commission for Social Care Inspection Confirmed
By DOH, UK
Mar 18, 2005, 16:16

Health Secretary John Reid confirmed that the Healthcare Commission and the Commission for Social Care Inspection will merge to form a single organisation by 2008.

The planned merger reflects increasingly close collaboration on the ground between people working in social and health care. It also reflects shared objectives for the highest possible standards for everyone using social and health care services.

The merger is part of a wider policy to improve regulation and help reduce the burden that it can place on the frontline across social and health care. It follows on from the Department of Health�s programme of downsizing and its current review of its Arm�s Length Bodies.

Further details of the planned merger will be confirmed following wider consultation with professionals working in both fields.

John Reid said:

�Throughout the country, professionals in adult social and health care are increasingly working more closely together. They recognise that the integration of their work brings benefits for the people that they serve.

�The time is right to start the process of bringing together the inspectorates for adult social care and health care into one single body by 2008.

�Both CSCI and the Healthcare Commission are introducing radical new systems of assessment with our support. The merger will ensure that they can continue to implement these new systems, which are important for patients and the public.�

John Reid also confirmed that the children�s social care function of CSCI will merge with Ofsted to create a single children�s services inspectorate.

He added:

�This will ensure that services are focussed for the benefit of all children, including the most vulnerable.�

The Commission for Social Care Inspection regulates adult social care services provided by both local authorities and independent care providers, ensuring that they meet national standards. The Healthcare Commission regulates the quality of NHS and independent health care services and publishes reports to help improve services and assist the public in making informed choices.

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