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Written question asked by Baroness Maclean of Redditch (Conservative) on Monday, 15 June 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 29 June 2026. It was answered by Baroness Merron (Labour) on Tuesday, 30 June 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Health Services: Private Sector

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether independent sector healthcare providers are taking full responsibility for the quality of care provided in their facilities regardless of how consultants are engaged, as recommended by the independent inquiry into the issues raised by former surgeon Ian Paterson; and whether the Medical Practitioners Assurance Framework is being consistently applied and enforced.

Answer

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) expects all health and social care registered providers in England, including those in the independent sector, to meet the fundamental standards of care and quality. The standards include person-centred care, dignity and respect, consent, safety, and safeguarding from abuse. If providers are not meeting these fundamental standards, the CQC can take enforcement action.

The principles in the Medical Practitioners Assurance Framework have been adopted by the CQC into the single assessment framework and sector guidance, and these principles are assessed during inspections of independent healthcare services.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL963
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Health services Private sector Standards Paterson Inquiry
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk