HC Deb 10 June 1986 vol 99 cc147-8W
Mrs. Dunwoody

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many private residential homes have been closed since the Registered Homes Act came into force in 1985.

Mr. Whitney

I refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Liverpool, West Derby (Mr. Wareing) on 6 May at column76.

Mrs. Dunwoody

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what medical qualifications staff are required to have in private residential care homes;

(2) if he will introduce legislation to provide that in private residential homes, when there are more than nine patients, there must be more than one state registered nurse on the staff; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Whitney

Unless the private residential home is dually registered as a nursing home, it is not required to have staff with medical or nursing qualifications. The type of care normally provided in a residential care home is broadly equivalent to what might be given by a competent and caring relative able to respond to emotional as well as physical needs and a medical or nursing qualification is not considered necessary.