The chairwoman of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) Baroness Young has voluntarily resigned.

The CQC came under heavy fire after an independent report found serious failings at a trust in Basildon, Essex, which had been rated as ‘good’ by the CQC.

The Guardian newspaper reports that an article in ‘Health Service Journal’ claims Baroness Young’s resignation followed a ‘difficult’ meeting with Health Secretary Andy Burnham on 26 November, after the backlash caused when a task force was sent into the Basildon trust after health inspectors found evidence of blood stained equipment and an unusually high death rate among patients.

However, on Thursday (03/12/09), Baroness Young said:

‘Having overseen the major task of creating a single regulator for health and social care –

and pointed it in the right direction – I have decided it will be for others to take it forward.’

An unnamed friend of Baroness Young confirmed that her decision to resign from the CQC was not connected with the recent bad publicity over the CQC’s ratings and the Basildon trust:

‘She jumped. It's got nothing to do with Basildon. She just decided that she didn't want to do it.’

The Department of Health also said the Baroness’ decision to resign from the CQC was nothing to do with recent events.

‘This was completely her own decision. There's no ill feeling or secret story behind this,’ said a spokesman.

The Conservative party has pledged to overhaul how hospital trusts are assessed should it come to power in 2010, including more spot inspections.

Baroness Young will be replaced in her role as chairwoman of the CQC by her deputy Dame Jo Williams, who will take over as acting chairwoman until a replacement is appointed.

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