HC Deb 21 April 2004 vol 420 cc556-7W
Dr. Murrison

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his Department's projected spending plans on the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health (a) were for 2003 and (b) are for (i) 2004, (i) 2005 and (iii) 2006. [166352]

Ms Rosie Winterton

In 2003–04, the budget for the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health (CPPIH) was £34.9 million. This included £5.2 million for the national independent complaints advocacy service (ICAS) and around £8 million to support Community Health Councils until 1 December 2003. The budget for the CPPIH in 2004–05 and 2005–06 is £33.3 million and an additional £6.8 million is being made available for ICAS.

Mr. Burstow

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what targets have been set on introducing modern matrons; what the (a) baselines and (b) deadlines for these targets are; and what progress has been made against the targets. [166407]

Mr. Hutton

The introduction of modern matrons was signalled in the NHS Plan in 2000. In April 2001, my right hon. Friend the Member for Darlington (Mr. Milburn) said there would be 500 modern matrons by April 2002 and up to 2,000 by 2004.

A detailed progress report was published in April 2002, including results of a survey that showed that there were nearly 1,900 posts across England.

The most recent data show that there are now nearly 3,000 modern matrons across England.

Mrs. Iris Robinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on arrangements for the assessment of an individual for funded nursing home placement; under what circumstances a process is caused to be commenced; and how a relative can ensure that an assessment is performed. [164922]

Dr. Ladyman

Individuals should receive an assessment to determine their needs and then a care plan as to how those needs will be met. A here their needs will be best met in a care home providing nursing care, the national health service will determine whether their needs are such that the NHS will fund all their care, or whether the NHS will fund only the care provided by a registered nurse.

The Community Care (Delayed Discharges, etc.) Act 2003, requires the NHS and social services in England to assess patients who need further care from the NHS or social services before they are discharged from hospital. For others, the NHS and social services should provide an assessment when it appears necessary or when requested. Relatives and carers may request assessment or re-assessment of an older person's needs, and in doing so may specify the type of assessment they feel is most appropriate.