HC Deb 23 January 1989 vol 145 cc412-3W
Dr. Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action has been taken by his Department in response to the recommendations made in the Wagner report "Residential Care: a Positive Choice".

Mr. Mellor

The report of the committee chaired by Lady Wagner brings together a number of issues which affect the well-being and quality of life of people in residential care.

Some of the recommendations in the report relate to the matters dealt with in Sir Roy Griffiths' report on community care and are being considered in that context. Others are clearly addressed primarily to local agencies, statutory and independent, providing care and we hope they are giving full consideration to the action they can take within the resources available. Finally, there are certain recommendations which might usefully be followed up centrally within the current statutory framework, including such matters as the registration and inspection of homes, complaints procedures, contacts between residents and local communities, the supply of information for users and standards of care. We are considering promoting activity in these fields. The report also draws attention to the importance of training for people working in homes. Those recommendations are being considered in relation to the strategy we are now developing to improve training for all personal social services staff.

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