The decision follows a mixed response to a CQC consultation which offered the options of: re-introducing an overall quality rating for an NHS trust; re-introducing key question ratings at the trust level; and no longer awarding separate location-level aggregated ratings for NHS acute trusts and independent hospitals.

The CQC pledged to take forward further work on developing the detail of its approach to assessing and rating NHS trusts and independent hospitals through engagement with those sectors.

In its initial response to the consultation, the QC said it planned to re-introduce separate assessment frameworks for each main health and care sector.

In addition, the CQC pledged to introduce measures to reduce inequalities and advance equality and human rights, as well as improve the timeliness of assessments.