CQC chief Sir Mike Richards announces retirement

Sir Mike Richards, the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) Chief Inspector of Hospitals, has announced that he will be retiring this summer.

Having become CQC’s first Chief Inspector of Hospitals in July 2013, Richards led the development and implementation of a new approach to hospital inspection which assessed services on whether they are safe, caring, effective, responsive and well-led.

Since his appointment, Richards has overseen the inspection and rating of every NHS trust in the country. The recruitment process will begin shortly, with Richards remaining in post until a successor is appointed and is able to take up the role.

Richards said: “My retirement this summer will coincide with having been Chief Inspector of Hospitals at CQC for four years, and a qualified doctor for 40 years.

”As we have now completed the first round of inspections of all NHS Trusts, it feels like the right time to hand the baton on to someone else. When I came to the CQC, I recognised the scale of the challenge ahead – so to have inspected all NHS hospitals resulting in a baseline on quality that is unique to anywhere in the world feels like a like a major achievement.

“This achievement would not have been possible without the passionate commitment of CQC staff to improving quality and to ensuring safe care. I have also been hugely grateful for the ongoing support and encouragement of external partners, including those whom we regulate. Together, we have laid the strong foundations that will ensure that the next phase of hospital regulation will continue to help providers to drive improvement and to ensure that people receive good, safe care.”

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said of Richards: “His years of clinical experience combined with his wise judgement have been absolutely vital in helping to make the NHS one of most patient-focused and transparent healthcare systems in the world with a total focus on safety and quality. Thousands of patients benefit every day from the higher standards that have resulted from his influence. We will miss him greatly.”