§ Mr. ClellandTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what records are kept to show where health authority patients have been resettled in the community; and how their resettlement and the progress of their rehabilitation into the community has been monitored.
§ Mrs. CurrieOversight of services is maintained nationally through the Health Service planning and review system and the work of the social services inspectorate. It is for professional staff locally to decide what records to keep and how to monitor the progress of individual patients discharged into the community.
§ Mr. ClellandTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how standards of community care are defined; and which body has responsibility for their maintenance.
§ Mrs. CurrieHealth and social services authorities have a management responsibility to set and maintain standards in their services. The social services inspectorate, the health advisory service and the national development team for people with a mental handicap advise on professional practice. Under the Registered Homes Act 1984, health and local authorities are responsible respectively for the statutory inspection and registration of independent nursing homes and independent residential care homes. The "Handbook for Health Authorities: Registration and Inspection of Nursing Homes" and the code of practice for residential care "Home Life", give detailed guidance. Copies are available in the Library.