A former foundation trust chair has been appointed as head of the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
David Prior said he holds “zero tolerance” on benign or malign neglect and said while he is a “believer” in the NHS; he said he is not a “reflex defender” of the NHS.
The CQC under Prior’s leadership will be “driven by common sense and judgement, not box ticking and form filling”.
“I am delighted to have been appointed CQC, it is the only job that could have persuaded me to leave the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital,” said Prior, who is currently chair of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
“Those who provide care out of hospital, in care homes or in people’s own homes, should also be held to account where standards are not good enough.”
Prior said there is “no place for complacency” amid an aging population and growing financial pressures.
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said he was “pleased” to formally appoint Prior to the role.
“Prior brings a wealth of experience to this significant position, as the chair of a Foundation Trust, a large comprehensive school, and experience in the private sector,” he said.
“He has demonstrated strong leadership ability in high profile, complex organisations and will lead the CQC at an exciting time, where we need to relentlessly drive up quality in all services.”
Prior will take up his role as CQC chair on 28 January 2013.
