NHS website allows families to compare care homes

The performance of care homes in England can now be compared on a NHS website.

Families can leave reviews in the style of the travel website TripAdvisor and also see star ratings.

Homes are listed with details including the size of the home, its food hygiene rating, annual staff turnover and Care Quality Commission inspection ratings.

People can also see if there is a registered manager in post on the My NHS site which is part of the NHS Choices website.

Health minister Alistair Burt told the BBC: "We know how difficult important decisions about care for a loved one can be - this is a victory for those who are worried about care - with a click of a button the public will be able to make an informed choice about care and make those difficult decisions easier.

"This data will show clearly the difference in quality across care homes and will help drive up standards by highlighting poor performers which will mean they have to shape up their services or lose out."

Beth Britton, former carer to her father, who now campaigns for improvements in health and social care for older people, told the Daily Telegraph: "As a daughter who over a period of nine years had to find three different care homes for my father who was living with dementia, I know first-hand how difficult it is for families who need to find care for a loved one.

"Anything that helps families to be more informed when making these decisions is to be welcomed."

As part of My NHS, people can also see reviews and ratings for consultants, dentists, GPs, hospitals and mental health.