Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Stella Creasy (Labour) on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 23 February 2026 (named day). It was answered by Zubir Ahmed (Labour) on Monday, 23 February 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Ophthalmic Services: Community Health Services

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will publish the outcome of the NHSE patient safety investigation into Community Health and Eye Care Services as reported in The Sunday Times in May 2025.

Answer

The safety of all patients, whether they are treated in the National Health Service or the independent sector, is a top priority for the Government. All providers of healthcare are regulated by the Care Quality Commission and follow a set of fundamental standards of safety and quality, below which care should never fall.

Those providers in receipt of NHS contracts must meet additional requirements, including meeting the provisions of the NHS Provider License and the NHS Standard Contract. These additional measures put in place specific standards which must be met. Contracts to private providers can be and are terminated where these are not met.

We take all claims relating to patient safety seriously. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has carried out inspection activity at a majority of community health and eye care services locations. All locations have been either rated as Good or Requires Improvement, and there have not been any significant concerns identified. The CQC has also not taken any enforcement action. Currently the CQC does not have on-going concerns, but will continue to monitor the providers as part of relevant ongoing engagement.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
112122
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Patients Ophthalmic services Safety Community health services
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk