§ Mrs. MahonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the definition of medical treatment used for the purpose of deciding whether a patient should have a bed paid for fully by the NHS in a private nursing home.
§ Mr. BowisIt is the responsibility of the national health service to provide long-term care for those who require it for reasons of ill health. It is for local health care purchasers to determine the level and type of services provided, including full-time care funded by the NHS in hospital or in an appropriate facility in the independent sector. In doing so, they will need to take account of the range of local circumstances, needs, resources and clinical practice.