Key points on CQC regulation

The CQC rates the overall quality of care at healthcare providers in England as well as assessing individual domains of quality and specialist services. 

From this we see that the sector is doing well where broadly comparable data are available. We also see improvements in the performance of the sector over recent years, and where there is still scope for improvement. 

Over 5,000 independent healthcare organisations are registered by the CQC. On average, over 89% of overall ratings for independent healthcare organisations are good or outstanding.  

Hospital services:

• 92% of independent sector hospitals (non-specialist) are rated overall good or outstanding by the CQC compared to 47% of NHS hospitals 

• This is a significant improvement since 2018 when around 70% of independent sector hospitals (non-specialist) were rated overall good or outstanding 

Core services across independent providers:

• Core services have also improved with 89% of core services run by independent providers rated good or outstanding compared to 75% in 2018. 

Specific services:

• There are 66 independent providers with ratings for Children and Young People’s services, 86% of which are good or outstanding 

• 85% of independent locations rated for diagnostic imaging services are good or outstanding 

• 92% of independent community healthcare locations are rated good or outstanding 

• 94% of independent doctors rated by the CQC are good or outstanding 

IHPN members:

• 94% of the IHPN member locations providing services in England that are rated by the CQC are considered good or outstanding.