§ Mr. BurnsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many whole-time equivalent nurses are responsible for assessing patients for free nursing care; [127488]
(2) how many people are awaiting an assessment for free nursing care; and what proportion that represents of people who require an assessment for free nursing care; [127509]
(3) how many people have been waiting (a) less than one month, (b) over one month and less than two months, (c) over two months and less than three months, (d) over three months and less than four months and (e) over four months for an assessment for free nursing care. [127510]
§ Dr. LadymanInformation on a survey of primary care trusts (PCTs) carried out in December 2002, which requested information on PCTs' progress on determining the nursing needs of nursing home residents supported by local authorities, was placed on the Department's website at www.doh.gov.uk/jointunit/nhsfundednursingcare/dec2002resultspub.xls on 6 May 2003. In mid-December 2002 approximately 20 per cent. of the assessments of residents supported by local authorities, which were required by April 2003, had been completed. No further updated or detailed information is held centrally.
Arrangements for carrying out assessments are organised locally and no information on the number of nurses involved is held at central level.