§ Mr. WareingTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will set out the Government guidelines for the setting up and staffing of private nursing homes; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. BowisStatutory control of nursing homes is provided by the Registered Homes Act 1984. Registration and inspection is wholly delegated to health authorities, and the Department of Health endorsed guidance published by the National Association of Health Authorities and Trusts in 1985. Homes have a statutory duty to provide adequate nursing and other staff bearing in mind the number, age, and condition of the people being cared for.