Professor Ted Baker will become chief inspector of hospitals at the Care Quality Commission (CQC), replacing Professor Sir Mike Richards who is due to retire at the end of July.

Baker (pictured) is currently deputy chief inspector of hospitals, a role he has occupied since January 2014 when he joined the organisation to support the implementation of its new approach to hospital inspection.

Prior to this, he worked in clinical practice for 35 years, including medical director and deputy chief executive of Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust from 2010 to 2014, and medical director of Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust from 2003 to 2010.

Richards congratulated Baker on his appointment and said that he had been an integral member of the hospital team for the past four years, leading inspections across acute, community health, mental health and ambulance services in England.

“I am pleased to be handing the baton over to him next month and am certain of his ability to lead the next phase of hospital regulation, helping providers to drive improvement and ensuring that people receive good, safe care," Richards said.

CQC chief executive Sir David Behan commented: "I am delighted that Ted will be taking on the role of chief inspector of hospitals. He brings an invaluable track record of professional and clinical leadership and a wealth of experience from his time as deputy chief Inspector.”

Baker said: "As chief inspector of hospitals I want to work with providers and other partners to build an environment where they can continue to drive improvements and make our healthcare system as good as it can possibly be. I do not underestimate the problems the system faces, but I have great confidence that the staff have all the qualities we need to overcome them."