§ Mr. Peter Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many statutory purpose-built residential homes there are in Northern Ireland; how these are distributed through the areas serviced by the health and social services boards; and how many places are available in them.
§ Mr. Chris PattenThe information is as follows:
Health and social services board Number of homes Number of places Eastern 31 1,205 Northern 17 775 Southern 12 504 Western 13 497 Northern Ireland 73 2,981
§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he is satisfied with the instructions given to senior social workers involved with residential homes for the elderly that they give adequate and proper weight to the advice of the responsible medical officer.
§ Mr. Chris PattenThe Department of Health and Social Services has issued detailed guidance to health and social services boards on the provision of health care in residential homes for the elderly. This gives clear advice to social work staff concerned with these homes on the role of the doctors who are responsible for the health care of the residents.
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§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he is satisfied with the operation of the arrangements for elderly residents in homes run by the Eastern health board to transfer to another home; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Chris PattenI am satisfied with the arrangements by which elderly residents in homes run by the Eastern health and social services board may transfer to another home.