Explanatory note

These Regulations amend regulation 24 (Fitness of premises) of the Private and Voluntary Health Care (Wales) Regulations 2002 by inserting a new regulation 24 (1A).

The Regulations are amended in order to place a limit on the number of beds an independent hospital may provide where long term treatment and nursing is provided for persons with a learning disability, and those with a mental illness.

There is also a requirement that no other independent hospital should be located in close proximity to another independent hospital in such a way as it might be considered a multiple of the original independent hospital, and therefore might affect the rationale and purpose of restricting the number of patients in independent hospitals as provided in these regulations.

Transitional provisions will apply for the coming into force of these Regulations.