CQC Bi-Weekly Press Release Recap – September 2025, Weeks 2–3
CQC issued nine press releases in weeks two and three of September 2025. Six were negative and three positive, including the latest inpatient survey which showed slight improvement in satisfaction, though many areas remain below pre-pandemic levels.
The Caregraph continues its analysis of CQC press releases to explore what the regulator is trying to communicate to the public. In this bi-weekly review, we found a total of nine press releases published between 8 and 21 September 2025. Eight of these focused directly on inspection and assessment outcomes across different services, while one reported on the latest annual survey of hospital inpatients.
Breakdown of CQC Press Releases by Service (8 and 21 September 2025)
© Caregraph 2025
The Positives in the Fortnight
Amid a fortnight that was weighted more towards negative outcomes, three services stood out for their positive results. Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People in Loughborough was rated Outstanding, highlighting excellent care for children and families.
Modality Mid-Sussex showed significant improvement, moving from Inadequate to Good. The Council of the Isles of Scilly was also rated Good, reflecting strong performance in meeting adult social care responsibilities under the Care Act.
Three services received positive outcomes in this period:
| Service Type | Name | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Hospice | Rainbows Hospice | ⭐Outstanding |
| GP | Modality Mid-Sussex | 🟢Good (Improved from Inadequate) |
| Local Authority | The Isles of Scilly | 🟢Good |
The Negative Shades of Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) confirmed that three hospitals run by Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust rated as requires improvement overall. The reports, published on 17 September 2025, followed inspections carried out in November 2024.
The findings were deeply concerning. Children and young people’s services at both Basildon and Broomfield were rated inadequate, while Southend dropped from good to requires improvement.
A warning notice was issued in April, requiring urgent action to address failings in governance and the safety of care for young people. Inspectors highlighted unsafe environments, with staff at Basildon working under severe pressure in overcrowded units.
| Hospital | Service Area | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Basildon University Hospital | Children and Young People’s Care | 🔴Inadequate |
| Broomfield Hospital | Children and Young People’s Care | 🔴Inadequate |
| Southend University Hospital | Children and Young People’s Care | 🟡Requires Improvement |
| All three hospitals (overall) | Trust-wide Rating | 🟡Requires Improvement |
At Broomfield, leaders were criticised for allowing a culture where staff feared reprisals if they raised concerns. At Southend, inspectors found that leaders lacked effective oversight of risks, leaving key safety issues unaddressed.
The Negative Story of Care Homes Continue
The Caregraph has noted in previous reviews that many CQC press releases involving care homes highlight poor outcomes, and this fortnight was no different. There were only two press releases related to care homes during this period, and both reported inadequate care.
Muscliff Nursing Home in Bournemouth and Mulberry House in Luton were each rated inadequate following inspections. Mulberry House was also placed in special measures to ensure urgent improvements, while Muscliff faced regulatory action to protect residents after serious concerns were identified.
What CQC Said About the Adult Inpatient Survey 2024 Results
The CQC published the results of its annual adult inpatient survey on 9 September 2025. The survey, which asked patients aged 16 and over about their hospital experience, showed a slight improvement in overall satisfaction compared with last year, with more people rating their stay as nine or ten out of ten.
Overall Patient Experience Ratings 2023 vs 2024
© Caregraph 2025
At the same time, the findings highlight continuing challenges. Many areas of inpatient care remain worse than before the pandemic, and waiting times and access to treatment continue to frustrate patients.
Two in five elective patients felt they had to wait too long for admission, and some reported their health worsened while on the waiting list. Post-discharge support also remains a concern, with almost a quarter of respondents (23.1%) saying they did not receive enough help from health or social care services to manage recovery.
The Caregraph View
The NHS remains one of the most trusted and relied upon institutions in the UK. This was evident during the pandemic, when its role as a lifeline for the nation became clearer than ever. It stands as an example of a healthcare system that many countries could learn from, where taxpayer funding underpins care for all.
While this fortnight’s CQC releases show a mix of positive and negative outcomes, the challenges within the NHS deserve particular attention. The pressures on hospitals and the findings from the latest inpatient survey highlight areas where the system is still falling short. At the same time, the NHS continues to be a symbol of shared belief in universal healthcare.
The Caregraph will be returning to the results of the 2024 inpatient survey with a dedicated analysis, exploring what they reveal about the strengths, weaknesses and future direction of the NHS.
Disclaimer: The Caregraph does not seek to criticise the Care Quality Commission. Our analysis of press releases and news is intended to highlight what the regulator is communicating, including where information may appear inconsistent. The aim is to give the public a clearer understanding of these announcements and to encourage transparency, not to challenge or undermine the regulator’s role.
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