With the Care Quality Commission going live next Wednesday, the Healthcare Commission has published a swathe of reports before its demise.

Given the report into gross failures at Mid Staffordshire foundation trust was among them, it is hardly surprising that the subject of regulation has been in the news.

The dawn of a new era of regulation is the best time to take stock. In an interview with HSJ this week, CQC chief executive Cynthia Bower talks of wanting to bring about a “partnership of improvement” with NHS organisations - and trusts must play their part.

Meanwhile there are calls for the CQC to be at the forefront of efforts to ensure regulators talk to each other.

The fact that Monitor awarded Mid Staffordshire foundation status and the Healthcare Commission give it a double good annual healthcheck rating shows there was not a shared understanding of patient-centred care.

As we enter the new era, it’s vital that all regulators understand the same definition of quality.

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