HC Deb 18 April 1990 vol 170 cc882-3W
Mr. Kilfedder

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many(a) private and (b) public sector residential and nursing homes there are in Northern Ireland; what is the number of places provided in each sector together with the weekly charges; and how the charges are being met.

Mr. Needham

The information is as follows:

Up-to-date information about weekly charges in independent sector homes is not held centrally. Residents whose income is insufficient to meet the charges may be entitled to income support. As of 9 April 1990, the maximum weekly amounts of income support payable for accommodation and care range from £150 to £210 for homes for persons in need, and from £200 to £245 for nursing homes. In addition, a personal allowance of £10.55 is payable.

Mr. Kilfedder

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether in view of the increase in the number of residential and nursing homes for the elderly, he will arrange for greater involvement of local people in inspections of such homes and for reports of such inspections to be made to district councils and the units of management of the health and social services boards.

Mr. Needham

In "People First", the Northern Ireland policy paper on care in the community in the 1990s, the Department of Health and Social Services has proposed that health and social services boards should set up area inspection units, independent of the day-to-day management of their own homes. They are to inspect and report on standards and quality of care in both statutory and independent sector homes and are to be accountable direct to the area general manager of the board. The units are to include inspectors recruited from outside the board's employment. The Department intends to issue detailed guidance on the establishment of such units and will consult a wide range of interests, including the boards and district councils, during its preparation. Furthermore proposals will issue shortly on the involvement of area health and social services councils in visiting such establishments.