§ Mr. Maxwell-HyslopTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the National Health Service accepts responsibility for providing in-patient nursing care for patients needing such care, whose financial resources, including pension entitlements and income support, where applicable, are insufficient to cover nursing home fees.
§ Mr. MellorThe NHS has a responsibility to provide in-patient nursing care for those patients, whatever their financial circumstances, who have been identified as needing it. It is a matter for health authorities to decide the level and pattern of services in the light of local circumstances and available resources. This might include the potential contribution of private or voluntary facilities.