Hospitals and Care Homes: Hydration

Lord Laming Excerpts

Monday 7th November 2011 Lords Chamber

[Earl Howe]

My noble friend raises a very good idea. I have heard of similar ideas in different trusts, all designed to meet the same objective. The key point my noble friend makes is that patients who may be malnourished when they enter hospital or have difficulty feeding or accessing drink for themselves should have their condition assessed straightaway so that the nursing care is there for them when they need it.

[Lord Laming]

Could the Minister assure the House that the Government will do everything possible to increase the number of unannounced inspections, both in hospital and in care homes, to make sure that these basic and very important matters are being properly attended to?

[Earl Howe]

My Lords, since the publication of the CQC summary inspection report, my right honourable friend the Secretary of State has requested a further 500 inspections of dignity and nutrition in care homes and 50 further visits to hospitals, which will start in the new year.