Robert Francis QC to join CQC board

Robert Francis QC, who published a two reports into major failings of care at Mid Staffordshire foundation trust has been appointed non-executive director of the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
The CQC are a “role model of transparency and openness” according to Francis, and he hopes to build on their work.
He said: “The CQC has a vital contribution to make towards people getting safe, compassionate and effective care. I am pleased to see that many of the recommendations I made in my reports on Mid Staffordshire for cultural change in the healthcare system and the CQC itself are being adopted.”
The two reports on the shortcomings of Mid Staffordshire Foundation Trust by Robert Francis QC have transformed the principles of the NHS and how they view the quality of patient care, the CQC have said.
Chairman of the CQC, David Prior said: “The appointment of Robert Francis makes a very clear statement – the interests of patients, all those who receive care and their relatives will be at the heart of everything that CQC does.”
And Paul Rew an experienced non-executive director in both the private and public sectors has also been appointed.
According to CQC chairman Prior, Paul Rew’s “vast experience in accounts, risk management and finance” also make him a fitting candidate for the job.
Paul Rew said: “From my own professional experiences, I have seen how quality issues can be addressed through regulation and I will bring this insight to the role.”
As part of his non-executive role he will chair the CQC’s Audit and Corporate Governance Committee
The newly appointed CQC director Robert Francis is a barrister, practising and specialising in the field of medical law.
His other roles include:
– A Queen’s Counsel for over 20 years
– Honorary President of the Patients Association
– Trustee of the Point of Care Foundation
– Trustee of the Prostate Cancer Research Centre
– Patron of the Florence Nightingale Foundation
The appointments were made by the Secretary of State and the office terms are three years, with both men set to join the CQC’s board.