THE announcement of new national standards for nursing homes has been greeted by a sceptical response in Worcester.

Members of the Worcester Community Health Council have voiced fears that nursing homes throughout the county would fail the regulations.

Sweeping changes have been unveiled under the National Care Standards Commission and due to come into effect next April.

They cover every aspect of nursing homes, from a patient's eating habits to complaints procedures.

The laws have changed because previous regulations under the Registered Homes Act were deemed inadequate due to vague wording.

Key aspects of the new standards include a requirement for 50 per cent of care staff to have NVQ Level 2 qualifications in care.

Nick Richards, of the Commission, who presented the new regulations to the council, said: "It has to work and it will work. The Government has been ashamed at how elderly people have been treated in care homes. That cannot continue.

"These standards will ensure there are robust frameworks in place, so that any person receiving residential care is protected.

"We will have to deliver these standards because they are enshrined in legislation. We have to do that."

Mr Richards said the national benchmarks would put an end to "guesswork" used by inspectors trying to interpret old guidelines on standards.

But members of the council questioned whether the laws would work.

"It seems as though the promise is great, but I cannot see how the realities of how it will work," said Pat Merrick.

"There is going to be a tremendous amount of work, so are there going to be more inspectors and is there the money for them?

"To me, it seems you need more inspectors just to cope with the homes you have got."

The meeting heard that inspections, which must be carried out at least twice a year, would continue. Inspectors are part-funded by bed fees, receiving £48 per bed.

Member Jeff Carpenter highlighted problems in Coventry, where nursing home owners could not afford to deliver basic services.

"How the heck are you going to deliver these new requisites?" he added.