§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice is given by his Department to health authorities with regard to the maximum number of beds that may be permitted in a nursing home.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyIt is a statutory requirement that each nursing home patient has adequate accommodation and space. The maximum number of beds in any one home is constrained by the needs of the residents. Guidance issued by the National Association of Health Authorities and Trusts and endorsed by the Department provides that all long-stay patients should enjoy a lifestyle as non-institutional as possible, and sets out certain minimum standards for bedroom, sitting or day room areas.