Written question asked by Lord Evans of Watford (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Earl Howe (Conservative) on Wednesday, 19 October 2011.

NHS: Quality Standards

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government why the development of quality standards and patient care are being delayed; and what assessment they have made of the impact of the delay on the quality of care the National Health Service can provide.

Answer: We are not aware of any such delay. Providers of healthcare are required to register with the Care Quality Commission and to comply with 16 registration requirements that set essential levels of safety and quality. Authoritative guidance is also available on many important aspects of health care quality in the form of guidance from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE has already published 12 quality standards and a further 34 topics have been referred to it for development. The Health and Social Care Bill creates a role for the re-established NICE to develop quality standards that will contribute towards improved outcomes for patients. The intention remains to develop a comprehensive library of quality standards, prepared by NICE, to support improvements in key areas of care.

Secondary information