Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspections

Read some of the findings from our latest CQC inspections

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) Inspection

56% of HCA UK's hospitals inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) have been rated 'outstanding' over the last 12 months, with 40% rated 'good'. Out of all the independent hospitals inspected so far by the CQC, only 6% have been rated 'outstanding'. (as of 22 Sept, 2017)


The CQC is the national regulator of health and social care in England, and is responsible for inspecting hospitals. The CQC inspects independent hospitals in the same way as it does NHS hospitals. Hospitals are assessed by the CQC on five key principles: whether the service is safe, caring, responsive, effective and well-led. Each area is rated as Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement or Inadequate and, like an Ofsted inspection for schools, an overall rating is awarded for the entire facility. CQC provides an authoritative rating system which allows people to make like-for-like comparisons between providers. This is important for those who are making decisions about where to best go for their care. HCA Healthcare UK is the only independent provider in London to achieve an ‘Outstanding’ rating.


Our founding philosophy of putting patients at the centre of everything we do means we have an unrelenting focus on driving improvement. HCA UK set exceptional standards for the care we deliver, and are proud that the CQC has found so many examples of excellence in our hospitals.

Quotes from our CQC reports

“We saw staff used alcohol gel when entering the unit and moving between clinical areas and they washed their hands before and after patient contact. We also saw staff wash their hands at appropriate times. A patient and a relative said to us that they had noticed good hand hygiene practice from all of the staff they had interacted with.“ Read the full CQC report about The Lister Hospital.

“One piece of patient feedback we saw stated, ‘I don’t really know where to start as I feel overwhelmed with the level of support that my breast cancer nurse has provided me.’” Read the full CQC report about The Harley Street Clinic.

“Staff were motivated and passionate about providing individualised care and we saw that patients’ needs were always made a priority.” Read the full CQC report about Harley Street at UCH.

“We saw many examples of innovative practice and staff could tell us about the research being undertaken by the centre and how outcomes were being embedded within clinical practice to benefit patients.” Read the full CQC report about The Cyberknife Centre, London,

“There was a strong, motivated and inspiring leadership at ward and departmental level, which staff told us pushed them to be the best and provide the highest quality care.” Read the full CQC report about The London Bridge Hospital.