The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has warned that access to good healthcare in England is increasingly becoming a postcode lottery, with some regions offering only substandard services. In its annual report, the watchdog highlighted 'geographical disparities' that leave many patients unable to access quality hospital, mental health, or social care.
CQC chief executive Ian Trenholm said it 'cannot be right that people's care depends on where they live or the type of support they need.' The report identifies Kent, the Wirral, Portsmouth, and the Isle of Wight as areas where patients are less likely to receive good care. In Kent, seven of nine hospitals require improvement, and the region has fewer care homes rated good or outstanding than the national average.
The CQC found that one-sixth of adult social care services and one-fifth of NHS mental health services need improvement. Bed shortages mean some mental health patients must travel 'unreasonable distances' for inpatient care. A&E units are treating growing numbers of frail elderly people and those in mental health crisis who could not access help closer to home.
Trenholm urged ministers and NHS leaders to tackle the variation in care quality, warning that failure to act will lead to increased 'care injustice.' He called for reform of NHS finances to address the issue. The report also noted that workforce shortages, including a lack of GPs and paramedics, are hampering efforts to provide good care.
Shadow minister Barbara Keeley blamed 'austerity-obsessed Tory government' for unsafe mental health wards and overwhelmed emergency departments. A Department of Health spokesperson said most people still receive good, safe care, but acknowledged challenges.
