Children in hospital to get greater voice in health service inspections

The move follows a report by Sheila Shirbman, who was asked by the inspectorate to look at how it inspects hospital services for children.

Of the 73 recommendations for improvement made, the inspectorate has accepted or partially accepted 70 and has deferred making a decision on the remaining three.

Among changes the CQC has pledged to make is to ensure a minimum of two parents are included in inspection teams looking at specialist children’s trusts.

The CQC has also accepted Shribman’s call for children and parents on wards at the time of inspections to be interviewed.

Other changes to be made also include appointing a dedicated children and young people’s deputy chief inspector within its hospital inspection team. This new role will be supported by three national professional advisers: a paediatrician, a children’s nurse and a children’s mental health care expert.

Shribman, who is former national clinical director for children, young people and maternity care at the Department of Health, said: “CQC’s new approach to inspection provides a real opportunity to drive up the standard of care for children and young people and reduce unacceptable variations. ?