The development of regulation of acute hospitals in England: leadership challenges

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify some of the issues that will shape the future of regulation in England, with a focus on acute hospitals.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a discussion paper identifying recent policy developments, with a commentary drawing on theory and evidence.

Findings

From April 2010, there will be a new system for the regulation of health care and adult social care in England. The new system is a significant development. The Care Quality Commission, the new regulator, has had to create a new organisation from three predecessors, and will be implementing new systems for registering providers and monitoring compliance against new regulations. With an election only months away, the levels of public and political scrutiny are high. The development of the new system should be informed by a research and evaluation agenda. Leaders in both the regulator and the regulated organisations will need to develop their own processes of enquiry to support the development of the new system.

Originality/value

There is no attempt at originality but the paper provides information of value to those involved with health and social care in the UK.

Citation

Snelling, I. (2010), "The development of regulation of acute hospitals in England: leadership challenges", Leadership in Health Services, Vol. 23 No. 2, pp. 172-179. https://doi.org/10.1108/17511871011040742