The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has commented on the Government's response to the Competition and Markets Authority's (CMA) recent report on care homes.

Michael King, Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman said:

“We are pleased the Government’s response acknowledges the work both we and Healthwatch England are doing through the Quality Matters initiative to improve complaints handling within the sector.

“Comments, compliments and complaints can be an invaluable tool for those care providers who understand the positive impact feedback can have on improving the services they provide.

“This is why we continue to advocate the benefit of statutory signposting to us, and would now urge the Government to commit to this step at the earliest possible legislative opportunity.

“The CMA’s report also highlights the need for providers to give residents and their families clarity about their prices and terms and conditions at the outset when signing contracts. Our recent guidance on Funded Nursing Care payments, and contracts which involve those payments, echoes this message.”

Article date: 05 March 2018