• CQC announces next chief inspector of hospitals
• Professor Edward Baker will take over from Professor Sir Mike Richards at the end of July
• We say appointment brings valuable continuity at time of challenge and change in the NHS

The Care Quality Commission has announced its next chief inspector of hospitals as Professor Edward Baker.

Professor Baker will take over the role from Professor Sir Mike Richards who will retire at the end of July. Baker has been in his current role as deputy chief inspector of hospitals since January 2014.

Responding to the appointment, Chris Hopson chief executive of NHS Providers, said:

It is particularly helpful that he brings valuable continuity at a time of challenge and change in the NHS.

“Edward has a successful track record both in the provider sector and, more recently, as the CQC’s deputy chief inspector of hospitals. He understands what it takes to both run and improve complex clinical services as well as bringing proven regulatory expertise to a vital role.

“It is particularly helpful that he brings valuable continuity at a time of challenge and change in the NHS.

"Our best wishes and thanks go to Mike Richards for setting up the new inspection system so successfully.”