To ask the Minister of Health for an update on the work of the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority in ensuring compliance with the regulations and care standards governing nursing homes.

The registration and inspection of a range of health and social care services is a key function of RQIA. Nursing homes are regulated establishments and are legally required to be inspected at least twice each year. The majority of inspections are unannounced and examine compliance with regulations and the minimum standards in the areas of care, estates, medicines management and safeguarding service users’ finances. RQIA’s inspections are conducted by a team of qualified and experienced nurses, social workers, pharmacists, estates and finance officers.

Where necessary, RQIA may take enforcement action to drive improvements in the quality of care. This may include issuing

notices of failure to comply with regulations; placing conditions

of registration; taking action to impose fines; prosecuting or

closing a service.

All RQIA inspection reports and enforcement activity can be found on the Authority’s website (www.rqia.org.uk)