§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what new measures he plans to introduce to reduce the incidence of(a) overuse and mis-use of medicinal drugs, (b) physical abuse, (c) sexual abuse and (d) neglect of residents of homes for the elderly. [154077]
§ Mr. Hutton [holding answer 20 March 2001]We are reforming the current regulatory arrangements for care homes and nursing homes for all client groups. The Care Standards Act 2000 establishes a new independent body, the National Care Standards Commission, which will regulate all care homes, whether in the private, voluntary or statutory sector, from April 2002. The commission will register and inspect homes according to national minimum standards. These standards will promote better quality of care and prevent abuse of all kinds by grounding practice on the principles of dignity, choice, privacy and respect.
They will guarantee residents access to an effective complaints procedure and ensure that residents are cared for by trustworthy, competent and reliable staff, who have been properly trained for this difficult and sensitive job.
National minimum standards for care homes for older people were published on 2 March 2001. We intend to publish standards for other client groups in homes soon.
In addition, the Department launched guidance titled `No Secrets' on 20 March 2000, under Section 7 of the Local Authority Services Act 1970. 'No Secrets' deals with developing and implementing multi-agency policies and procedures to protect vulnerable adults from abuse.
All prescribing for older people, including those in residential and nursing home care, should be undertaken and monitored carefully by the doctor responsible. The Department published advice in 1998 on prescribing in residential and nursing homes. The National Service Framework for Older People will contribute to improving the care of older people with dementia by setting national standards for health and social care services.