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Hospital Trusts (Essex)

I say again to the hon. Gentleman that the CQC is the authoritative voice on matters of safety and quality in the national health service. It was set up by Parliament to do that job. It takes a broader view of safety and quality in the NHS, looking across a much broader range of indicators than those used by Dr. Foster. However, I do not dismiss the work that has been done by Dr. Foster. In the case of a number of trusts that have been identified as a result of this work, there needs to be a further process of inquiry to establish whether the concerns are justified. The methodology used is new, and it needs to be questioned so that the hon. Gentleman can give clear advice to his constituents. I say again that the CQC is the leading and authoritative body set up by Parliament to do that job.