Essex/Suffolk: CQC chief attends launch of Care Providers Network

CYNTHIA Bower, chief executive at the Care Quality Commission (CQC), was guest speaker at the launch of a new group representing care providers across Essex and Suffolk.

More than 50 care businesses from the two counties were represented at the launch of the Care Providers Network, which was held at Colchester United FC.

After networking and breakfast, Ms Bower outlined the development of the CQC, the independent regulator for health and social care services in England, and explained its strategy for future inspections, with the meeting concluding with a question and answer session

The Care Providers Network has been launched by Dan Wylie, Elizabeth Vincent and Linda Woodard with the aim of improving business stability within the sector and the care provided there.

As a membership organisation, it aims to provide a voice for all care providers in Essex and Suffolk, offer opportunities to network and share best practice, and provide a group purchasing scheme to keep costs down.

Mr Wylie said: “We were delighted to welcome Cynthia to Essex and get a valuable insight into CQC’s work.

“Care Providers Network was formed to bring local care professionals together, to share best practice and support each other, in this increasingly demanding climate for our sector.

“Some very pertinent issues arose during the meeting and we hope to address these as a group and build on them at our next event in July.”