HC Deb 21 July 1989 vol 157 c426W
Mr. Fry

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will take steps to ensure that all health authorities make necessary health aids which are supplied free to patients in their own homes also available free to those in residential and nursing homes.

Dame Jill Knight

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will set out the criteria under which residents in private old person's homes are entitled to National Health Service treatment.

Mr. Freeman

People in residential care homes retain the right to National Health Service treatment as if they were in their own homes. The person responsible for a private nursing home must provide adequate facilities and services for those accommodated and we would expect the fees charged to reflect this. Nursing home patients retain the right to National Health Service general medical, dental and hospital services.