§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make it his policy to establish such guidelines for the care of persons residing in nursing and residential homes as will ensure the early development of improved standards of care through the provision of physiotherapy, occupational therapy, chiropody and similar health-related support services; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Edwina Currie[holding answer 21 July 1988]: This is our policy already. Through registration and inspection under the Registered Homes Act 1984, health and local authorities have a responsibility to ensure that appropriate and acceptable levels of care are provided to all patients and residents. It is a statutory requirement that the person registered in respect of a nursing home should provide and maintain adequate medical, surgical and nursing equipment and adequate treatment facilities to meet the needs of patients.
In 1985, the National Association of Health Authorities produced a handbook for health authorities, which the Department commended to all registering health authorities. The handbook provides comprehensive advice on all aspects of registration and inspection and advice relating to individual client groups. I understand a supplement is to be issued in September.
People living in residential care homes are entitled to receive the same standard of remedial care as other members of the community and the full range of remedial facilities provided by the local health authority or social 548W services authority should be available to them. "Home Life: a code of practice for residential care" gives guidance about the provision of these services by authorities.
Copies of the handbook and "Home Life" are in the Library.