Written question asked by Sandra Gidley (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 23 June 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 27 June 2005. It was answered by Liam Byrne (Labour) on Wednesday, 29 June 2005 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Care Homes

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the nutritional quality of food in care homes.

Answer: A number of measures and strategies are in place to manage, monitor and screen the quality in care homes.The Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) regulates care homes in accordance with statutory regulations and national minimum standards to ensure they provide for the needs of their residents. The Care Homes Regulations require homes to provide adequate quantities of suitable, wholesome and nutritious food for service users; and to maintain records of the food provided for service users in sufficient detail to enable inspectors to determine whether the diet is satisfactory, in relation to nutrition and otherwise.Standard 19 of the national standards for care homes for older people sets out what care homes are expected to do to ensure residents are properly fed.The CSCI will take swift action where it has concerns about the welfare of residents.

Secondary information