CONCERNED relatives of elderly people requiring nursing home care are being offered access to inspectors' reports.

The offer, by Sunderland Health Authority, comes after The Old Vicarage Nursing Home, in East Rainton, near Durham City, gave residents and their families only 48 hours notice before its closure.

The home, which looked after 17 pensioners, closed last Friday, making 40 staff redundant.

It was left with no option but to do so after its serious financial problems led the health authority to withdraw its licence.

Bill Hackett, an authority spokesman, said all residents had found alternative accommodation.

He said: "Satisfactory arrangements have been made for the retention of clients' records and, to the best of our knowledge, all clients have been resettled."

While such emergency closures were uncommon, they did happen, because nursing homes were run like any other business.

"The responsibility for homes rests purely with the proprietor, and we are not empowered to delve into their financial aspects," he said.

"If they liaise with us, at least we can be prepared, but the last thing these people want to do is start signalling early when they are having difficulties."

Nursing homes have to be registered with the health authority, and must undergo regular inspections to ensure they conform to its regulations.

Mr Hackett advised anyone concerned about a home's credentials to ask to see its latest report.

They should ring the health authority on 0191-565 6256.