A healthcare watchdog has warned it will take action against seven NHS trusts unless urgent improvements are made.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) said 12 supposed flagship foundation trusts were ordered to raise their standards as part of a newly announced registration scheme.
The CQC said the scheme covered all 378 trusts in England and out of this total 22 had improvement conditions imposed.
Mid Staffordshire and Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals were both ordered to make urgent improvements following recent care scandals.
Under the new registration scheme, the CQC can impose fines, launch prosecutions or suspend services at failing trusts. Previous regulators have only been able to urge ministers to take action.
Cynthia Bower, CQC’s Chief Executive, said: “Most conditions were imposed in relation to the care and welfare of people who use services.
“This makes clear that some trusts must do more to make sure people experience effective, safe and appropriate care that meets their needs and respects their rights.”
She added: “We will now be monitoring these trusts constantly, carrying out more unannounced inspections and using our tough new enforcement powers to make sure people get better care.”
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