By Vivienne Russell | 23 February 2012
Cynthia Bower has resigned as chief executive of the Care Quality Commission after four years in the role.
Her departure coincides with publication of the Department of Health’s performance review of the regulator, which is critical of some aspects of the first years of operation. In particular, it says the commission did not always remain focused on its core purpose.
The review noted that the watchdog had made ‘considerable’ achievements in developing a new regulatory model for health and social care. But it said: ‘Alongside these achievements, CQC has faced operational and strategic difficulties… Delays to provider registration, shortcomings in compliance activity and, at times, a negative public profile have seriously challenged public confidence in its role.’
Announcing her resignation today, Bower said it was ‘time to move on’.
She said: ‘The process of setting up an entirely new system of regulation has been intensely challenging – but we have accomplished an enormous amount.
‘We have merged three organisations, registered 40,000 provider locations and brought virtually the entire health and social care network under one set of standards.’
Bower added that she was confident the CQC would continue to build on the progress made so far.
CQC chair Jo Williams thanked Bower for her ‘enormous contribution’ and ‘tireless commitment’ to the watchdog.
‘She leaves it in a strong position to carry out our essential role in tackling poor care,’ Williams said.
‘This is confirmed by today’s performance review from the Department of Health, which recognises the CQC’s “considerable achievements” in setting the essential platform from which tougher regulatory action can be taken.’
