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REGISTRATION OF NURSING HOMES
The registration of nursing homes passed to the Council from the London County Council
on 1 April 1965. Registration takes place under the Public Health Act, 1936. The Conduct of
Nursing Homes Regulations, 1963 made by the Minister of Health under the Nursing Homes Act,
1963 gave the registration authority more effective powers of supervision.
The Nursing Homes Act, 1963 repealed as from 15 May 1964 the exemption from registration
of nursing homes not carried out for profit. Seven homes in the Borough came within the
category and were registered by the London County Council early in 1965. Two more applications
were pending while requirements to render satisfactory the fire precautions and means of escape
were implemented. Similar requirements had been made in two other nursing homes which had been
granted registration by the former London County Council.
At the end of 1965 there were thirteen registered nursing homes in Camden, including
four mother and baby homes classed as maternity homes. The total number of beds provided was
388, - 229 for medical and surgical cases and 159 maternity beds.
Prospective keepers of nursing homes are encouraged to seek technical advice from the
appropriate local authority departments. The Medical Officer of Health was consulted about the
suitability of two premises which prospective keepers proposed to purchase with a view to seeking
registration under the Nursing Homes Act, 1963 and of an old people's home which the owner
intended to convert as a nursing home.
Regular inspections of registered nursing homes are made by a senior medical officer
of the department and a public health inspector, to ensure that accepted standards in all registered
nursing homes are maintained.

Inspections
by Medical Officer 18
by Public Health Inspector 21
63