What is the Care Quality Commission (CQC)?

The Care Quality Commission is an organisation that inspects and regulates health and social care services to make sure they meet fundamental standards of quality and safety.

What do they do?

If you want to report your care, whether good or bad, the CQC is here to listen.

  • They ensure hospitals, care homes, dental, general practices and other care services in England provide people with safe, effective and high-quality care
  • They encourage them to improve
  • They publish what they find, to help people choose good care for them and their families.

Our partnership with the Care Quality Commission

About seven million people who used NHS services in the past five years had concerns about their treatment but had never raised them, according to the Care Quality Commission. Of these, over half (58%) expressed regret about not doing so. 

However, when people did raise a concern or complaint, the majority (66%) found their issue was resolved quickly, it helped the service to improve and they were happy with the outcome. Find out more about CQC's research here. 

The partnership between the Patients Association and the CQC means we're able to pass on the information you provide to us to the CQC. Whether this is a positive example of great health or social care you've received, or of a troubling experience you or your family have had. 

Declare your care and share your experiences of care with us through our helpline.

We can raise your concerns with CQC anonymously or, if you'd like to chat with them about your care, then we can add your details.

If you would like one of our dedicated helpline advisers to relate your experiences to the CQC, then get in touch either by phone on 0800 8423 8999 or using our live-chat.

You can also email us on [email protected], or write a letter to us outlining your experiences, indicating that you would like us to share this with the CQC. We can share information anonymously, or give the full details - whatever you are happy with. Please note, if you are keen for us to share information with the CQC, you will need to include the name of the hospital or GP surgery where you (or the person you are writing on behalf of) received care, including the local area and postcode. 

You can share your story with the CQC directly. Remember to select 'the Patients Association' from the menu to share where you found this information. 

How it all works: