2. RAISING THE STANDARD The application of Minimum Standards across Health and Social Care Services in Northern Ireland

3. Realistic expectations !

4. A BRIEF HISTORY OF REGULATION IN NORTHERN IRELAND Pre 1992 – The role of local social services 1992– The Registered Homes (NI) Order 2003 – The HPSS (Quality, Improvement and Regulation (NI) Order

5. ASSOCIATED REGULATIONS The Residential Care Homes Regulations The Nursing Homes Regulations The Day Care Setting Regulations The Domiciliary Care Regulations

6. DEVELOPMENT OF THE MINIMUM STANDARDS DHSSPSNI established a team Examination of standards developed in other countries Establishment of working groups Development of draft standards Public Consultation and awareness sessions Revision and final versions

7. LAYOUT AND STRUCTURE OF THE STANDARDS Headline statement Measurable Criteria Regulated and non-regulated criteria

8. Residential Care Homes Minimum Standards Meals and Mealtimes Standard 12 : Residents receive a nutritious and varied diet in appropriate surroundings at times convenient to them. Criteria 12.1Residents are provided with a nutritious and varied diet, which meets their individual and recorded dietary needs and preferences. Full account is taken of relevant guidance documents or guidance provided by dietitians and other professionals and disciplines.

9. 12.2Residents are involved in planning the menus. 12.3The menu either offers residents a choice of meal at each mealtime or when the menu offers only one option and the resident does not want this, an alternative meal is provided. A choice is also offered to those on therapeutic or specific diets. 12.7Menus provide for special occasions.

10. IMPACT ON SERVICE USERS AND PROVIDERS Clearer expectations Measurable outcomes Identified improvement

11. CONTENTIOUS ISSUES Qualification of the Registered Manager Staffing levels Some 'Estates' Standards

12. THE MINIMUM STANDARDS Developed in consultation with providers and service users Give guidance on what should be provided Describe both mandatory and good practice criteria Focus on the service user

13. CONTACTS Tel: 00 44 28 90517500 Fax: 000 44 28 90517501 E-mail:info@rqia.org.uk Web: www.rqia.org.uk