Dame Joan Bakewell supports CQC care standards charter

Dame Joan Bakewell has shown her support for the CQC’s new ‘Voices in Action’ initiative that we reported on earlier in June. Voices in Action is a care standards charter that aims to give those who receive care in hospitals, care homes and in their own homes more control over the care that they receive. Dame Bakewell, who was appointed ‘Voice of Older People’ by the Government in November 2008, spoke out at the official launch of Voices in Action on 24 June. Stating her intention to ‘make a noise for elderly people’, she spoke about why the initiative is so important, describing the confusion, intimidation and fear felt by many older people when dealing with the healthcare system. The Voices in Action launch also included the publication of the results of the CQC’s recent public consultation on how people want to be involved in their care. More information is available on the CQC’s website.