HC Deb 04 May 1976 vol 910 cc343-4W
Mr. Eldon Griffiths

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the number of convalescent homes and like institutions that are maintained wholly or partly by non-governmental organisations, and the approximate number of patients who make use of these homes each year.

Dr. Owen

I regret that information is not available centrally in this form. In the year ending 31st December 1974, the latest year for which figures are available, 1,091 private nursing homes, containing 26,965 beds, were registered with area health authorities in England, under the Nursing Homes Act 1975. Convalescent homes are not separately identified among these; but of the 26,965 registered beds, 22,612 were registered as medical beds, and it is likely that a large proportion of these beds could, if required, be used for convalescence. In addition, some convalescent beds may be provided in some of the independent hospitals that are exempt from registration, and in some disabled persons' and old persons' homes registered with local social services departments under Section 37 of the National Assistance Act 1947. Information about the number of patients making use of these facilities is not collected.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the relationship, financial, administrative and professional, between the National Health Service and the numerous convalescent homes maintained by trade unions and such organisations as the Police Federation.

Dr. Owen

Private nursing homes and hospitals—including those maintained by trade unions and other organisations, such as the Police Federation, but excepting those constituted by Special Act of Parliament or incorporated by Royal Charter —are required to be registered under the Nursing Homes Act 1975. This does not involve a financial relationship between the nursing home and the area health authority with whom it must register. Managers of nursing homes have to satisfy the requirements of the Nursing Homes Act and of regulations made under it which include requirements as to the standard of care, facilities and services provided, and to the keeping of records. Any medical officer or other person authorised by the area health authority is empowered at all reasonable times to enter and inspect a registered nursing home. Health authorities also have the power to make, at their own discretion, contractual arrangements with institutions outside the National Health Service if they think it necessary to do so in order to augment services for National Health Service patients. The payment by health authorities for such arrangements is based on a daily rate calculated from the published accounts of the institution concerned.