Licences for Nursing Homes and Lapses in Patient Care at Licensed Nursing Homes

Mr Chen Show Mao asked 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.

Mr Chen Show Mao asked 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.

Mr Gan Kim Yong: The Ministry of Health (MOH) has licensed a total of 65 nursing homes, providing care for about 9,000 patients. MOH received and approved six, three and five applications for new licences in 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively.

In the last three 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.

In the period 2009-2011, there were four 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 $2,000. Another home was suspended from taking in new patients. Investigations are ongoing for the remaining two cases.

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.

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