§ Mr. Peter Bruinvelsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the criteria used by his Department 80W for licensing (a) a nursing home and (b) an old people's home; how often each is inspected; what is the minimum number of beds, nurses and other medical staff necessary, including visiting doctors; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WhitneyRegistration of nursing homes is a function exercised by District Health Authorities on behalf of the Secretary of State, and in accordance with part II of the Registered Homes Act 1984 and the Nursing Homes and Mental Nursing Homes Regulations. The legislation provides for every home to be inspected not less than twice in every period of twelve months; does not prescribe a minimum number of beds; and requires the person registered to provide adequate professional, technical, ancillary and other staff and to make adequate arrangements for patients in the home where necessary to receive medical and dental services, and to provide or make arrangements for other facilities and services.
Residential care homes, which include homes for elderly people, with places for four or more people are registered by local social services authorities under part I of the 1984 Act and in accordance with the Residential Care Homes Regulations 1984. Authorities have to inspect registered homes at least once every 12 months. Those registered to run homes have to employ sufficient suitably qualified and competent staff; make arrangements for residents to receive, where necessary, medical and dental services; and provide, or make arrangements for, other facilities and services appropriate to the needs of residents.