Wes Streeting has criticized England's healthcare watchdog, the Care Quality Commission (CQC), labeling it as 'not fit for purpose' following an interim report that highlighted major shortcomings in its ability to identify poor performance at health and social care facilities.

The report found inconsistent assessments, inspection levels still below pre-Covid standards, and IT issues affecting the CQC’s efficacy.

Streeting announced four immediate steps to improve oversight and patient confidence, including appointing a senior cancer doctor for CQC assessments and increasing transparency.

Dr. Penny Dash, who led the report, found that many locations had never been rated, and some inspections were up to a decade old.

The CQC apologised for a 'hostile' inspection regime and a failing IT system, and Streeting intends to recruit a permanent replacement for former CEO Ian Trenholm.

Health and social care bodies endorse the need for urgent CQC reforms to restore trust and improve operational performance.