The Private and Voluntary Health Care (England) Regulations 2001

Quality of treatment and other service provision

15.—(1) Subject to regulation 6(3), the registered person shall provide treatment and any other services to patients in accordance with the statement of purpose, and shall ensure that the treatment and any other services provided to each patient—

(a) meet his individual needs;

(b) reflect published research evidence and guidance issued by the appropriate professional and expert bodies, as to good practice in the treatment of the condition from which the patient is suffering; and

(c) are (where necessary) provided by means of appropriate equipment.

(2) The registered person shall ensure that all equipment used in or for the purposes of the establishment, or for the purposes of the agency is—

(a) suitable for the purposes for which it is to be used; and

(b) properly maintained and in good working order.

(3) Where reusable medical devices are used in an establishment or agency, the registered person shall ensure that appropriate procedures are implemented in relation to cleaning, disinfection, inspection, packaging, sterilisation, transportation and storage of such devices.

(4) The procedures implemented in accordance with paragraph (3) shall be such as to ensure that reusable medical devices are handled safely and decontaminated effectively prior to re-use.

(5) The registered person shall make suitable arrangements for the ordering, recording, handling, safe keeping, safe administration and disposal of medicines used in or for the purposes of the establishment, or for the purposes of the agency.

(6) The registered person shall make suitable arrangements to minimise the risk of infection and toxic conditions and the spread of infection between patients and staff (including medical practitioners with practising privileges).

(7) If an establishment provides food for patients, the registered provider shall ensure that it is—

(a) provided in adequate quantities and at appropriate intervals;

(b) properly prepared, wholesome and nutritious; and

(c) suitable for the needs of patients,

and that the menu is varied at suitable intervals.