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Ministry of Health
Parliamentary QA

Nursing Homes

17 February 2012

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NOTICE PAPER NO. 57 OF 2012

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR WRITTEN ANSWER

FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 17 FEBRUARY 2012

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Chen Show Mao

MP for Aljunied GRC

Question No. 126

To ask the Minister for Health in each of the last three years (a) how many applications were submitted for new licences of nursing homes for the aged sick and the elderly and, of these, how many licences were granted; and (b) how many nursing homes did not receive renewals of their licences following regular audits by the Ministry.

Question No. 127

To ask the Minister for Health in each of the last three years (a) how many cases of serious lapses in patient care at licensed nursing homes were reported; and (b) what actions were taken by the Ministry in such cases.

Answer

1        The Ministry of Health (MOH) has licensed a total of 65 nursing homes, providing care for about 9,000 patients.  MOH received and approved 6, 3 and 5 applications for new licences in 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively.

2        In the last 3 years, one nursing home was not granted a renewal of licence, as it failed to comply with a Ministry directive to maintain the premises in a good state of repair and hygienic condition at all times.  It was closed on 31 March 2010, after arrangements were made to re-house the patients to other homes. 

3.       In the period 2009-2011, there were 4 cases of serious lapses resulting in death of serious injury in nursing homes. In all cases, my Ministry launched in-depth investigations to determine if there were inappropriate practices or non-compliance with the Ministry’s licensing requirements and took action accordingly. In one of the cases, the nursing home had failed to send a patient promptly to the hospital for treatment. This nursing home had been given a composition of the offence for $2000. Another home was suspended from taking in new patients. Investigations are ongoing for the remaining 2 cases.

4        Nursing homes are issued two-yearly licences by my Ministry. They are inspected prior to the issuance or renewal of their licences, and on a yearly basis thereafter to ensure that all facilities and care staff comply with the Private Hospitals and Medical Clinics (PHMC) Act and Regulations, as well as the Specific Guidelines for Nursing Homes.  All nursing homes are expected to comply with these licensing terms and conditions, failing which regulatory actions may be taken against them, including suspension or revocation of their licences for serious lapses.