Nurse Call Maintenance in London Care Homes: Your Legal Responsibilities
- Agatha CandyKitty
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
Why Nurse Call Systems Matter in Care Homes
In a care home environment, a reliable nurse call system is a lifeline for vulnerable residents. Whether someone experiences pain, confusion, or a fall, they must be able to alert staff instantly.
For providers in London, maintaining these systems isn’t just about best practice — it’s a legal duty under the Health and Social Care Act 2008, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) framework, and workplace safety regulations.
What Are the Legal Requirements for Nurse Call Maintenance in London?
Care home operators must ensure that:
All nurse call points are regularly tested
Systems are functioning at all times
Staff are trained to respond appropriately
Maintenance is documented and traceable
Under CQC’s Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOEs), failure to maintain nurse call systems could result in enforcement actions or downgraded inspection ratings.
How Often Should Nurse Call Systems Be Maintained?
There’s no single national frequency, but in practice, London care homes should follow these guidelines:
Daily functional checks by staff – confirm that call points activate correctly and staff receive alerts
Monthly on-site visual checks – review all points, wiring, display panels, and power supply
Bi-annual or annual service visit by a qualified contractor – perform system testing, battery checks, software updates, and clean components
The actual schedule should be based on a formal risk assessment, age of the system, and any manufacturer recommendations.
Nurse Call Maintenance – What to Include in Service Visits
A professional maintenance visit typically includes:
Inspection of all call pointsCheck for loose fittings, broken cords, and non-responsive buttons.
System functionality testVerify all alerts trigger the correct sound or signal at staff stations.
Battery condition and power backupEnsure the system remains active during power failures.
Review of integration with other systemsIf linked to pagers, DECT phones, or staff location tools, ensure full compatibility.
Cleaning and hygienic checkClean buttons, cords, and wall plates – essential in infection-sensitive settings.
Software/firmware updatesKeep any digital nurse call platforms fully up to date.
Fault diagnosis and minor repairsAddress loose cabling, corroded contacts, or misconfigured zones.
Common Issues Found During Nurse Call Maintenance
Damaged pull cords or unplugged units
Faulty indicator lights or displays
Unreliable wireless signal in larger buildings
Outdated or unsupported systems
Missing logs of daily testing
Regular maintenance not only addresses these faults but also ensures your system meets audit and safeguarding requirements.
Who Should Carry Out Nurse Call Maintenance?
Only competent, experienced professionals should carry out technical servicing of nurse call systems. Ideally, they should be:
Familiar with multiple system brands (e.g., Intercall, C-Tec, Medicare)
Trained in low-voltage wiring and fault tracing
Able to issue maintenance reports for compliance documentation
In-house staff can and should perform basic functional tests and cleaning, but full service visits should be completed by a specialist.
Final Thoughts on Nurse Call Maintenance in London
Nurse call systems save lives — but only if they’re working properly when needed.
In London care homes, system maintenance is both a safety imperative and a regulatory requirement. Providers must ensure systems are checked, tested, and serviced regularly by competent professionals, and that clear records are kept.
Staying on top of nurse call maintenance protects your residents, your staff, and your reputation.
Keep your nurse call systems reliable and compliant.
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