Water UK

National minimum standards for drinking water provision in care homes

11/07/05

Baroness Greengross asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will amend the national minimum standards for care homes to state explicitly that fresh drinking water must be available at all times to residents in addition to other hot and cold drinks as recommended by Care Standard 15. [HL789]

The Minister of State, Department of Health (Lord Warner): The Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) is responsible for inspecting care homes in accordance with statutory regulations and national minimum standards (NMS). We understand from the chair of CSCI that it has issued guidance to their inspectors on the management of nutrition and dietary care for older people in care homes. This includes a set of triggers linked to NMS and focused on outcomes.

If problems are identified, the inspector will take action to address these, including referring to a state registered dietician, general practitioner or district nurse as appropriate. In 2004–05, just over 4 per cent of complaints about regulated services concerned food and drink.

In addition, CSCI is liaising with Water UK to look at producing guidance, both for CSCI inspectors and care sector providers, on the issue of fresh drinking water in care homes for adults and the potential health benefits.

The Department of Health is currently reviewing the national minimum standards for adult social care, including care homes. As part of the review, the department will carefully consider the case for change to this standard. It plans to complete the review in 2006.