CQC appoints senior inspector with mental health expertise

The CQC has appointed a former consultant psychiatrist to lead it’s revamped inspection regime for mental health services.

Dr Paul Lelliot, a former quality lead at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, has been appointed as a deputy chief inspector of hospital. The regulator said Lelliot will have a “particular responsibility” for overseeing mental health inspections.

The CQC recently revealed an overhaul of its inspection model for mental health services. Under the new model mental health providers will be given an Ofsted-style rating. The new inspections will also have a greater focus on assessing care at community teams alongside inpatient units.

The appointments of three other deputy chief inspectors for hospitals were announced alongside Lelliot’s appointment. The team will work across inspections of acute hospitals, community health, mental health and ambulance services, CQC said.

Professor Sir Mike Richards, CQC’s chief inspector of hospitals said: “I am delighted to have appointed the deputy chief inspectors of Hospitals, who will support me in leading the monitoring, inspection and regulation of health services across England. They each bring with them a wealth of experience across regulation, leadership and frontline practice.”

Care minister Norman Lamb has previously said that the appointment of a senior CQC inspector with mental health expertise would help “root out” poor care.
Andy McNicoll is Community Care’s community editor