§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how his Department plans to publicise the amendment to Regulation 5 of the Care Homes Regulations 2001 to(a) local authorities, (b) care home owners and (c) residents and their families; [43897]
(2) who will be asked to he members of the consultation exercise on the amendment of the Care Homes Regulations 2001 Standard 5; how it will be publicised: how much he expects the exercise to cost; and when he will publish the results. [43900]
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§ Jacqui Smith[holding answer 18 March 2002]: The draft amendment to Care Home Regulations 2001 was issued for consultation on 19 June for comments by 18 July. A copy has been placed on the Department's website at www.doh.gov.uk/jointunit/freenursingcare.htm. The national health service and local authorities were notified via the chief executive's bulletin on 21 June. Copies of the draft regulations have also been sent direct to the bodies that represent the interests of providers and the elderly and care home residents and their relatives. It is, of course, open to any individual or organisation to comment on the proposed amendments.