§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what assessments his Department has undertaken of standards of nursing home care provided by national health service hospitals;
(2) what consultations he has had with local health authorities over the standards of home care provided by national health service hospitals.
§ Mr. DorrellContinuous nursing care may be provided in long-stay NHS hospital wards, community units, directly managed nurse-led units or through independent providers. It is for health authorities to decide the appropriate type and level of care and how best to secure it, taking account of local needs and priorities. Independent nursing homes are subject to the registration and inspection procedures laid down in part II of the Registered Homes Act 1984.
Health authorities as purchasers of health care services are expected to ensure that their contracts include appropriate quality standards and to monitor the delivery of care. The Department is in continuous contact with the health service through the NHS management executive.