Smith gives details of inspection body

The government has released details on how the new Commission for
Social Care Inspection is going to work when it takes over
monitoring of the care sector in April 2004.

The CSCI will cover all of the work of the Social Services
Inspectorate, the joint review team of the SSI/Audit Commission and
the functions of the National Care Standards Commission in relation
to social care services.

Health minister Jacqui Smith said the creation of CSCI will “ensure
joined up and effective regulation of both independent and public
sector social care services for the first time ever”.

Details of the new Commission for Healthcare Audit and Inspection
were also announced. It will take over current and proposed work of
the Commission for Health Improvement and the Mental Health Act
Commission, the national NHS value for money work of the Audit
Commission and the independent health care work of the NCSC.

The DoH said the two commissions will strengthen the accountability
of those responsible for commissioning and delivering health and
social services, demonstrate how additional money in the services
was being spent and streamline inspection arrangements.