§ Mrs. FyfeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps are currently taken to ensure(a) proper inspection of nursing homes' care of elderly residents and (b) regular visits by general practitioners to monitor the health of residents and the carrying out of any necessary treatment, including removal to hospital.
§ Mr. StewartUnder the Nursing Homes Registration (Scotland) Act 1938, as amended, health boards as registering authorities have a statutory requirement to visit and inspect all nursing homes in their area, including any register or records required, at least twice a year and to carry out spot checks at any reasonable time.
The person registered must provide or make arrangements for the provision of medical services for any residents in the home and must ensure that arrangements for dealing with medical emergencies of residents are agreed with the health board. Residents are also entitled to receive visits from their own general practitioner on request.