Healthcare Commission investigation
Healthcare Commission investigation
An inspection of NHS providers, which at first used star ratings, awarding zero, one, two or three stars based upon provider performance measured against clinical targets. As of 2006, the HCC performed annual “health checks” instead of giving stars, and examined a broader range of issues than targets alone. The health checks sought to focus on assessing the quality of healthcare services rather than on numbers and timeframes. The Healthcare Commission was absorbed by the Care Quality Commission in March 2009.Healthcare Commission investigation purpose
• Establish the root cause of any failure in a trust or other healthcare organisation;
• Help that organisation to improve the quality of the healthcare it provides;
• Take action to build or restore public confidence in the services provided; and
• Help the organisation and the NHS learn lessons about how best to ensure patient safety.
Criteria for investigation
Serious failings with a negative impact on the safety of patients. Generally not a single incident, but can include:
• Higher number than anticipated or unexplained deaths or injury or harm;
• Events which put public confidence at risk;
• A pattern of adverse effects;
• A pattern of failures in services;
• Allegations of abuse, neglect or discrimination.