Plea to regulator on poor NHS care

The healthcare regulator needs to make it easier for the public to raise concerns about poor care in the NHS, union Unite has warned.

The Care Quality Commission, which regulates hospitals, care homes and GP practices, should improve its engagement with the public, a spokesman said.

Officials should also look at ways to raise the profile of the body, the union said.

Unite professional officer Ethel Rodrigues said: "We are keen that the CQC makes itself relevant, transparent and accountable to members of the public who may have concerns about the quality of services across the NHS.

"A couple of suggestions that the CQC may like to investigate is to establish a hotline for the public and to hold roadshows at hospitals and health centres."