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CQC must seek evidence, not anecdote

Thank you for requesting feedback on the plans for practices to be regulated by the Care Quality Commission (‘GPs face inspection by CQC every two years').

I have a variety of concerns about the plans for practices to be regulated by the CQC, especially with the plan to interview patients and staff.

A report following the CQC's recent unannounced visit to a local hospital included quotes from both patients and staff.

It struck me how easy it must be to find disaffected examples of both and, when  questions are leading, how easy it is to frame quotes as ‘evidence'.

Several colleagues commented that the ‘evidence' could be seen as little more than anecdote.

Dr Peter Holden's suggestion of mass non-compliance with the CQC is one that the profession should seriously consider.