§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what arrangements he has made to deal with appeals against assessment decisions under his Department's free nursing care guidance; how nursing home residents will be informed of their appeal rights; and if residents will have access to advocacy services in such cases; [7389]
(2) what steps his Department has taken to inform (a) nursing home managers and owners and (b) self-funding and part-funding nursing home residents of free nursing care schemes; and when such information was sent. [7390]
§ Jacqui SmithGuidance on free nursing care in nursing homes was issued to the national health service and councils with social service responsibilities on 25 September. On the same day, organisations representing care homes were advised that the guidance had been issued. A Department of Health leaflet, "NHS 1037W Funded Nursing Care in Nursing Homes—What it means for you", has been issued to health authorities and councils to pass on copies to nursing home residents, their families and carers, nursing homes and general practitioner practices. A copy is also available on the Department's website at www.doh.gov.uk/jointunit/ freenursingcare. Information abut the free nursing care scheme, including some frequently asked questions, was placed on the website when draft guidance was issued for consultation in July.
Both documents refer to the opportunities for individuals to have determinations reviewed and, if necessary, that decision reviewed by a local continuing care panel on appeal. Residents will have equal access to local advocacy services and, in respect of health services, from April 2002, to the patient advocacy and liaison service. These issues can be raised by and with the national health service nurse at the time that the registered nursing sare contribution is carried out.