In this practical guide you will find helpful information about what to expect from a Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection visit.
It highlights:
- what happens during an inspection
- what you should do
- how you can prepare.
The health and social care regulator the Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspects NHS trusts on a regular basis. Lots of preparation goes on in the background and this is important, not just for the inspection itself but for the Trust generally.
CQC inspections are ultimately about one thing: the quality and safety of the care we provide to our patients. Preparing well isn’t about putting on a show; it’s about making sure the everyday reality of our work reflects the high-quality care standards we aspire to.
An inspection will also consider how well our services, and the Trust, are being run. Executive colleagues and leadership teams are committed to working together with managers and all colleagues to nurture an open, fair and inclusive culture where people are empowered to continuously improve services and make sure our patients and communities receive genuinely high‑quality, person‑centred care.
Please play your part in preparing for the inspection and support your team to demonstrate that our care is safe, compassionate and reliable.
Honest reflection about what we are proud of and what could be clearer, safer or better is encouraged to ensure we make necessary changes to improve our services. We want you to feel confident about the processes that support you and to capture the excellent care happening across our hospital and community services.
Most importantly, this is about our patients, who deserve safety, dignity, and compassion to be at the heart of every interaction, every day. A well-prepared inspection isn’t about passing a test, it’s about demonstrating to ourselves, and to the public, that we never compromise on those values.
Your commitment and dedication are what turn standards into reality, and we thank you for everything you do. As we prepare and reflect, we encourage you to use this time to celebrate our strengths and successes and keep improving for our patients.
The Trust executive team
Next: What to expect from the CQC